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Registration Type
Historic Place Category 1
Register Number
628
Date Registered
2-Jul-1987
Legal Description
Lot 1 DP 123175 (CT NA71C/678), North Auckland Land District
Extent of Registration
Extent includes the land described as Lot 1 DP 123175 (CT NA71C/678), North Auckland Land District, and the building and structures known as Ponsonby Post Office (Former) thereon.
City/District Council
Auckland Council (Auckland City Council)
Region
Auckland Region
Historical Significance
The Ponsonby Post Office was built by L McKinstry at a cost of 3700 pounds. The clock was added in 1913 and the clock tower was heightened by 10 feet from what was originally planned to augment the building's prominent site. Half the cost of the clock was contributed by Ponsonby residents. The building has been an important public facility in the area for 75 years and is highly regarded by local residents.
Physical Significance
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Ponsonby is one of the best preserved and most heavily ornamented suburban Post Offices in New Zealand. It has been described as being somewhat ill-proportioned, but its elaborate Neo-Baroque decoration and prominent, elevated site make it a building of considerable architectural significance.
TOWNSCAPE/LANDSCAPE SIGNIFICANCE
With its tower and elevated site the Ponsonby Post Office acts as a landmark in the Three Lamps area of Ponsonby. The building also forms an integral part of a precinct of historic buildings including the Leys Institute and the former Ponsonby Fire Station nearby.
Construction Professionals
Notable Features
SPECIAL FEATURES
Clock, and the royal coat of arms in the large broken pediment over the corner entrance.
Construction Dates
- Original Construction: 1912 (circa)
- Addition: 1913 (circa)
- Other: 2012 - 2012
Construction Details
Brick walls with cement finish on ground floor. First floor consists of pressed brick walls with cement dressings. Interior woodwork is Rimu with interior walls being finished in Keene's cement.
Other Information
This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Building Classification Committee report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration.
NZHPT Heritage Covenant (14Sep92)
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