Hokitika Government Building

HMOA is strengthening and refurbishing the Category 1-listed Hokitika Government Building. Once complete, it will be a significant heritage asset for the Hokitika community and will be available for commercial tenancy. Within the building, which is described as Edwardian ‘Imperial’ Baroque in style, the existing courtroom will be fully restored as a publicly accessible space. 

Originally designed by Government architect John Campbell, construction was in two phases between 1908 and 1914, with the first phase providing accommodation for the Land and Deeds departments and the second for Supreme Court facilities. More recently, the building has been in private ownership, empty for 15 years, and has fallen into disrepair.

Working with Heritage New Zealand, HMOA will strengthen the building and restore as much significant heritage fabric as possible, with the restoration of the ornate façade on the front and sides the top priority – the insertion of a contemporary stair addition on the South-East side will effectively link the two floors of the building to the entrance, providing generous natural light into the main circulation spaces. 

Architects' update May 2026:  The first stage of the weathertightness and safety project is complete, so the building is now secure and stable until the full strengthening scheme can be completed. Stage 1 included re-roofing and replacing the rotten and leaky windows, so the building can dry out and stop the rot.  The parapet and facades have been strengthened to improve public safety around the building. HMOA has particularly enjoyed working closely with a local joiner/window fabricator – and heritage enthusiast – to replace the windows. Heritage New Zealand will commit to stage 2 of the project once funding is sourced and confirmed. Until that time, the building will be unoccupied and fenced off.

Pictured: renders of the finished building and work-in-progress images from December 2025.