COX Architecture The Christchurch Justice and Emergency Services Precinct (CJESP) was the first government-funded anchor project and a key component of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) Blueprint, established after the devastating earthquakes of 2010-2011. It represents the largest multi-agency government co-location project in New Zealand’s history, bringing together a wide range of public services. The precinct houses 19 multi-jurisdictional courtrooms, a state-of-the-art emergency operations centre, as well as facilities for Police, Fire and Emergency, and other critical agencies. The project was designed to Importance Level 4 Standards, ensuring seismic resilience so that the precinct can remain operational following a major earthquake or disaster.

The building features public artworks by Ngai Tahu artist Lonnie Hutchinson. On the facade is Kahu Matarau, a work composed of more than 1,400 anodised aluminium panels inspired by the feathers of the endangered kakapo parrot. Spanning 36m in length and 8m in height, the installation wraps around the building, symbolising protection and cultural identity.
Additionally, Hutchinson designed Pikihuia i te ao, i te po, a huia feather motif applied as fritted glass on the street frontage. The work references the 1936 alliance between Ngai Tahu and the Crown, while providing both symbolic resonance and functional benefits―filtering light and enhancing courtroom privacy.

COX Architecture
COX Architecture is an Australian architecture and design practice with a global footprint and a legacy of over 60 years enriching the public life of our cities through design. We endeavour to do this by ensuring every project makes a positive contribution to its public realm-that it gives more than it takes