Story: City boosters and promoters

Old BNZ building, Wellington

Old BNZ building, Wellington

Buildings can be read as an indicator of a town or city’s progress and prosperity. In the 19th century, timber buildings were often designed to resemble stone or plastered masonry. In many places timber was more readily available than more permanent materials, but building owners still wanted to make a grand statement. The old Bank of New Zealand building in Wellington, built in 1873 and demolished in 1899, is a good example of this practice.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Making New Zealand Centennial Collection (PAColl-3060)
Reference: 1/2-003812-F

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'City boosters and promoters - City buildings', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/21734/old-bnz-building-wellington (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 11 Mar 2010