Historic Significance

Historical Significance or Value Otago University was opened in 1871 and is the oldest of the New Zealand universities. One of the first professors, Professor J G Black, taught metallurgy as part of his Natural Sciences courses, but in 1878 a School of Mines was established with Professor G H F Ulrich as its first director. This was the only institution in NZ which ran a university degree in mining and metallurgy. The Otago School of Mines has shown a steady progression in its reputation and influence on the world scene of mining. It began on gold mining work, but Professor Ulrich widened its scope by becoming the first serious mineralogist in Australasia. Professor Park, director until the 1930s, was a man of great personality and confidence. He attracted good students who were accepted world-wide as sound mining men. Professor G J Williams in the mid twentieth century was more scholarly and began with work on tin mineralisation in Stewart Island. He worked overseas in Spain and advised several of the big mining companies of the world. On his retirement he worked for UNESCO in Teheran. The School of Mines was transferred to Auckland in 1960 leaving the smaller Department of Mineral Technology in the building. This department was transferred north in 1986 and the building now houses the Department of Marketing (though a rock crushing machine remains immovable in the basement).

Physical Significance

Architectural Significance: A part of the Gothic complex of University buildings built between 1878 and the 1920s, which constitutes a major example of nineteenth and early twentieth century gothic in New Zealand, impressive in its size and completeness. Townscape/Landmark Significance: An important street frontage building for the University complex.