A modernist office tower on reclaimed land that served New Zealand’s postal and communications services for nearly five decades, now reimagined as residential apartments and commercial space.
At a glance
Edmund Anscombe’s 1939 Post and Telegraph Building stands on Herd Street in Wellington’s waterfront precinct, built on reclaimed land using innovative foundation engineering. The building now operates as Chaffers Dock Apartments, blending heritage preservation with contemporary urban living.
History
Designed by architect Edmund Anscombe and completed in 1939, the building was constructed to serve as the headquarters for New Zealand Post and the country’s telegraph services. Its original design included two full-size tennis courts on the roof—a rare luxury for office workers of the era. During World War II, these courts were demolished to allow construction of a sixth storey, reflecting the building’s adaptation to wartime demands. The structure remained operational as a postal facility until the late 1980s, when New Zealand Post vacated the premises.
What you see
The building’s most remarkable engineering achievement lies beneath the surface: it rests on approximately 400 concrete piles, some extending 18 metres deep into the reclaimed land. This innovative foundation system enabled construction in challenging waterfront conditions. The structure reflects 1930s modernist principles in its vertical massing and functional design.
Cultural significance
The Former Post and Telegraph Building represents a pivotal moment in Wellington’s urban history, bridging the city’s maritime past with mid-twentieth-century commercial development. Its adaptive reuse demonstrates how heritage structures can be revitalised for contemporary communities without erasing their historical identity.
Key facts
- Country: New Zealand
- City: Wellington
- Designed by: Edmund Anscombe
- Completed: 1939
- Location: Herd Street, reclaimed land
- Foundation: ~400 concrete piles, up to 18m deep
- Heritage status: Category II listing with Heritage New Zealand
- Refurbished: Mid-2000s
- Current use: Apartments, restaurants, shops
- Coordinates: -41.290849, 174.784766
Practical information & getting there
The building is located on Herd Street in Wellington’s central waterfront district. As a residential and commercial complex, Chaffers Dock Apartments welcomes visitors to its retail and dining spaces. For detailed visiting hours and current tenancy information, contact the building management or visit the address directly.
Sources & resources
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