Ngā Hau e Whā National Marae, located in the earthquake damaged eastern suburbs of Christchurch, has garnered international interest for its role in hosting district court proceedings.

A criminal list court has operated out of Ngā Hau e Whā Marae since April 2011. A whakawatea handed over use of the marae to Executive Judge Phil Moran.

A collaborative approach between the Ministry of Justice, Community Probation Service, New Zealand Police, Legal Services Agency, trustees of Ngā Hau e Whā and New Zealand Law Society ensured the court operated effectively.

Anecdotal evidence has suggested the behaviour of some defendants has been more respectful and dignified at the marae than observed at a courthouse. This has led to international interest with requests coming in for opportunities to observe proceedings at the marae.

Ngā Hau e Whā was an official Recovery Assistance Centre after the 22 February 2011 earthquake. Staff from the Red Cross and Relationship Services, and key government departments Te Puni Kōkiri, Work and Income, and Housing New Zealand were all housed at the marae.

The Recovery Assistance Centre closed in June, but the marae continues to host agencies and services including: Relationship Services (trauma counselling and counselling), Child Youth and Family, Te Puna Whaiora (Glenelg Health Camp), Probation Services, and Department of Corrections.

The collaborative and inclusive working environment at Ngā Hau e Whā Marae is a testament to the management of Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka.