BNZ Dannevirke

The corner of High and Gordon Streets is definitely the centre of Dannevirke architecture, as here stands the 1887 BNZ building, the first of the large and grand structures that dominate this corner. It is presently tenanted by a pawn shop, called the Trading Bank. Opposite is the Post Office and the Museum which used to be the Courthouse is next to that. The Public Trust Building, which has an interesting history is one block north.

The BNZ was spreading rapidly throughout New Zealand in the 1880s, and this was the sixth branch to open. The classical design was by prolific architect Joshua Charlesworth.