Tuesday 10 October 2017

The old Tauranga post office


A very interesting building this one. While I was on my way to an appointment in the city I walked past this building, the old Tauranga post office. Apparently according to some research the original structure on this site was made of wood and was meant to be used for farm training for the local Maori people but land wars broke out and it was used by the military as a hospital. After it was rebuilt in 1902 it burned down and an architect named John Campbell redesigned it in an Imperial Baroque style. For many years local residents visited the building when it became a post office on the lower floor and on the second floor housed a courtroom.

The post office moved out in 1938 and the courtroom found elsewhere to be. In 1987 when people thought it would be demolished in favour of new high rise buildings, the local council purchased the building in 1990 then resold it to a new owner with instructions that it be restored to appropriate conditions. Since then it has been restored and now accommodates 4 office areas. There is also a display area on the lower floor showcasing exhibits relating to the buildings history.

8 comments:

Andy said...

Over the years the building has been a survivor. Glad to see it is still standing.

Sharon said...

I'm so pleased to hear of the efforts to save this beautiful building. Hopefully, it's use as offices will be very successful.

Bill said...

What a great story, it is a survivor and people are still using it which is fantastic in today's world.

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderful historical post and great photo of the lovely designed building ~ ^_^

A ShutterBug Explores aka (A Creative Harbor)

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Well it does have a tale to tell Amy! Thank goodness it was saved and is being used.

William Kendall said...

I like the architectural style.

Fun60 said...

I am pleased to hear it's been saved.

UplayOnline said...

Wonderful historical post and great photo of the lovely designed building ~ ^_^


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