Ashburton's first courthouse was built in January 1879, on what is now known as the old "Farmers" building site, situated on the corner of Havelock and East Streets, adjacent to Bearing Square East.

The current courthouse, which sits on the opposite corner of Baring Square, was built to replace the earlier courthouse and was opened on 3rd June 1938, by the Hon H.G.R. Mason, the then Minister of Justice. This modest little Art Deco building was designed by the Government Architect of the time, John Mair.

• Heritage NZ Inventory - Link to be provided
• District Council Heritage - Link to be provided