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Government Buildings, Tauranga, 1906- (Place)
SummaryAlso known as the Old Post Office.
Built in 1906, it housed Tauranga's central government departments until 1987. The building was erected to replace the previous Government Building which had burned down in 1902. Commissioned by the Public Works Department, it was designed by Government Architect John Campbell in the Edwardian Baroque style.
Several additions were made to the building over the years. In 1907 a clock was installed on the western side of the tower. Later in 1916 an extension was added in the same style, electric lighting was installed and a new entry for coaches was constructed to the rear of the building.
In 1938 the postal department moved into a new building (see Former Post Office ), and the building continued to be used for other government offices until 1987. In 1990 the building was purchased by Tauranga City Council. It was then onsold to Grasshopper Properties with strict conditions relating to its restoration. Restorations included new internal layouts on both floors and the relocation of the entrance from the clock tower corner to the present Willow street side entrance. Since late 2018, it has operated as the Clarence Boutique Hotel and Bistro.
SourcesRorke, J. (1988). Government Buildings, Tauranga. Pp. 1-8.The Old Post Office, Tauranga'Post Office/Government Building (Former) 41 Harington Street, Tauranga'. Heritage New Zealand. Retrieved January, 2024.
Built in 1906, it housed Tauranga's central government departments until 1987. The building was erected to replace the previous Government Building which had burned down in 1902. Commissioned by the Public Works Department, it was designed by Government Architect John Campbell in the Edwardian Baroque style.
Several additions were made to the building over the years. In 1907 a clock was installed on the western side of the tower. Later in 1916 an extension was added in the same style, electric lighting was installed and a new entry for coaches was constructed to the rear of the building.
In 1938 the postal department moved into a new building (see Former Post Office ), and the building continued to be used for other government offices until 1987. In 1990 the building was purchased by Tauranga City Council. It was then onsold to Grasshopper Properties with strict conditions relating to its restoration. Restorations included new internal layouts on both floors and the relocation of the entrance from the clock tower corner to the present Willow street side entrance. Since late 2018, it has operated as the Clarence Boutique Hotel and Bistro.
SourcesRorke, J. (1988). Government Buildings, Tauranga. Pp. 1-8.The Old Post Office, Tauranga'Post Office/Government Building (Former) 41 Harington Street, Tauranga'. Heritage New Zealand. Retrieved January, 2024.Photographs
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Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our heritage resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted within.CopyrightTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries
CopyrightTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesKnown Date/s
Date Builtc. July 1905 to 29th June 1906Date Occupied29th June 1906
Date Occupied29th June 1906Location
Map Address51, Willow Street, Tauranga, 3110, New ZealandLocationCorner of Willow Street and Harrington Street51 Willow Street (current)41 Harrington Street (previous)Latitude/Longitude[1]
LocationCorner of Willow Street and Harrington Street51 Willow Street (current)41 Harrington Street (previous)Latitude/Longitude[1] Relates To
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AuthorTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesType of ContributionLibrary authority
Type of ContributionLibrary authorityloading google map....
Tauranga City Libraries Staff - Rose Chalken, Government Buildings, Tauranga, 1906- (Place). Pae Korokī, accessed 24/04/2026, https://paekoroki.tauranga.govt.nz/nodes/view/101447
