“That ornate facade. Doesn’t it just whisper tales of Auckland’s past?”
Right before you stands the BNZ Building a piece of Auckland’s history. Its construction started in 1866. It opened in 1867. The building served as the Bank of New Zealand’s headquarters. At the time it was one of Queen Street’s most prominent structures. A three-storey marvel.
The Melbourne-based architect Leonard Terry designed the BNZ Building in the Greek Revival style. Tasmanian sandstone formed the facade. Initially the design included seven bays. A recession forced a reduction to five. The Lyttelton Times described the facade in 1866. It called it chaste and elegant even with its mixture of styles. The first storey was Doric. The second was Italian. The third had a style deemed palatial.
The building expanded in 1882. Two more bays were added. The rear was remodeled to accommodate a banking chamber. This involved reopening a Tasmanian quarry. The original building only extended 16 feet back from Queen Street. Sadly in 1986 all but the facade was demolished. The facade remains though. A testament to Auckland’s architectural heritage. It’s a Category 1 Historic Place in New Zealand.
The BNZ Building’s story reflects Auckland’s growth. It’s a reminder of economic shifts and architectural styles. The building’s resilience and enduring presence speak volumes. A building that reflects more than just bricks and mortar. A building that tells a story.