The New B.N.Z. Building

Along with a big section of the public, we were sorry to see the old Ionic-styled Bank of New Zealand building demolished in 1968. It had a lot of character-but it was very old. The new building, opened at the end of last month, is of modern design, but a beautiful replacement. The ground floor of the three-storey structure is largely devoted to the banking business, but it also incorporates a retail shop. The first storey houses managerial offices and staff amenities and the second floor has been let to tenants. This fine shot of the new building was taken by the Peter Cooper Studio.

The ground floor business section showing the angled tellers' line a spacious, airy chamber

The managerial offices are beautifully appointed

A reminder of the old bank, an Ionic capital atop a pillar, in the centre of the banking chamber.

An eye-catcher is this mural of Nelson stones on a background of polished Riwaka marble, the mural set off by black terazzo frames, running almost the length of the southern wall.

The 420 sq. ft. strongroom which we would go so far as to say is impregnable. Graham Unsworth is emerging from behind the floor to ceiling steel grill.

More reminders of the old building: the gateposts and iron railings of the old building (Above) and the bluestone slabs which formed the base of the old building (Below).

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The Nelson Photo News

No 117 : July 25, 1970

The New B.N.Z. Building