11/06/2026
With the recent reopening of the Chief Postal Office in Auckland’s CBD, we reflect on our long-standing relationship with the preservation, restoration, repair and adaptive reuse of this iconic building.
For over 35 years, Salmond Reed Architects has proudly been part of the CPO’s evolving story working to protect, adapt and support its ongoing transformation through the decades.
Our journey with the CPO began in 1990 with the creation of the seminal Conservation Plan, outlining the building’s history, identifying significant features for protection and guiding its conservation philosophy. In the period 2002-05, SRA served as heritage architects for the integration of Britomart Station, earning an NZIA National Heritage Award in association with Jasmax and Mario Madayag. 2018 saw us lead the external restoration and new lighting design as part of the City Rail Link. Our recent collaboration with Cooper and Company and Cheshire Architects has seen the key interior features including of the dome lights, faience and mosaic tiles restored.
Images;
1. 2026, Dome lights, photo: Pamela Dziwulska
2. 2004, Major alterations to the central foyer, photo: Lloyd Macomber
3. 2002, Sketch of Centrepiece Stonework by Jeremy Salmond
4. 2018, Replacement and repaired stonework, photo: Dr Phillip Hartley
5. 2018, Restored exterior and lighting scheme, photo: Jono Parker
6-8. 2026, Restored faience and mosaic tiles, photo: Pamela Dziwulska
9. 2026, Restored dome lights, photo: Lloyd Macomber
