Opened in March 1927, the plastered brick Bank of New Zealand in Opunake operated until replaced in 1969 - 70 by a more modern structure on the same site.
The bank premises were designed by T.H. Bates and the contractors were J.T. Julian & Son Ltd. of New Plymouth. The total cost (including architect's fees etc.) was estimated to be £5,595, 2 shillings and 7 pence. Bates called for tenders in local newspapers in March 1926.
A month before it opened the Opunake Times described the building in some detail, calling it "a creditable addition to the office buildings of Opunake". The residential quarters were in the rear of the bank.
Further reading: Opunake 1881-1981, A BNZ Century (TRCT332.12 GRI)
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