Taranaki Daily News Building (1937)

The Taranaki Daily News Building (also known as Roebuck House) on the corner of Powderham and Currie Streets was designed by Thomas H. Bates in 1937. The Taranaki Daily News had moved into a building on this prominent corner site about 1901 and the new building designed by Bates incorporated some of the earlier one.

This design which follows the Hawke's Bay Daily Telegraph building in style (see image above), combines Art Deco structural and decorative details. The use of bas-reliefs utilizing Maori design elements became widespread in New Zealand during the 1920's.

The balcony over the entrance, although designed for public news announcements, was seldom used as radios became more common in households.

The building suffered major fire damage in August 1990. It was then bought by building investor and developer, Brian Barron. Barron renovated the building including his "trademark" exterior colours of red and white.

Plans held by Puke Ariki - ARC2014-019

Related documents:

Taranaki Daily News Building/Roebuck House (1995 NPDC CBD Heritage Inventory Entry)

Employment Service offices gutted in late night city blaze (Daily News 9 August 1990)

Private eye probes Roebuck House fire (Daily News 29 September 1990)

Working wonders with old buildings (North Taranaki Weekender 24 January 1993)