Hokitika Customhouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hokitika Customhouse |
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Hokitika Customhouse in 1993
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| General information | |
| Address | Gibson Quay |
| Town or city | Hokitika |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 42°43′11″S 170°57′41″E / 42.71967°S 170.96147°E |
| Completed | 1897 |
| Cost | NZ£400 |
| Owner | Westland District Council |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Timber |
| Floor count | one |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | John Campbell |
| Designated: | 28 June 1990 |
| Reference #: | 1700 |
The Hokitika Customhouse is a very old and important building in Hokitika, a town on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. This historic building has played a big part in the town's past. It reminds us of a time when Hokitika was a busy port, especially during the exciting gold rush days.
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What is a Customhouse?
A customhouse is a special building where government officials work. Their job is to collect taxes on goods that come into or leave a country. These taxes are called "customs duties." Customhouses are usually found in ports or at borders. They help control what enters and exits a country.
A Golden Beginning: Hokitika's Story
In 1864, something huge happened in New Zealand: the West Coast Gold Rush. Many people rushed to the West Coast hoping to find gold. This made Hokitika a very important town and a busy port. Ships would arrive carrying people and supplies, and they would leave with gold.
The First Customhouses
Because Hokitika was so busy, a customhouse was needed right away. The very first customhouse was built in July 1865. It stood on Gibson's Quay, which is where the Department of Conservation annex is today. This first building was made bigger the next year to handle all the work.
The Current Building's Journey
The customhouse you see today was built much later, in 1897. It cost £400, which was a lot of money back then! The building was designed by a famous architect named John Campbell. It was built by the Public Works Department.
After many years, the Hokitika port closed in 1954. This meant the building was no longer needed as a customhouse. It was then used by the Ministry of Works for a while. In 1985, the local council took over the building. They moved it to its current spot, where it was officially opened again in March 1990.
What Does it Look Like?
The Hokitika Customhouse is a small and simple building. It has a classic look with "rusticated weatherboards." These are wooden planks that make the building look strong and traditional. It also has some design touches from the Queen Anne style, which was popular around the time it was built.
A Protected Piece of History
The Hokitika Customhouse is a very important part of New Zealand's history. Because of its importance, it is officially protected. The New Zealand Historic Places Trust has registered it as a Category I structure. This means it is a building of "special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value." Its registration number is 1700.
