Public Trust Building

The Public Trust Building is a steel-frame structure at the corner of Lambton Quay and Stout Street, constructed with genuine granite from Tonga Bay in the Nelson region. Its Edwardian Baroque design defines a corner of central Wellington's streetscape.

The building opened in 1909 under Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward as headquarters for Public Trust, the world's first government estate office of its kind. It marked an important development in New Zealand's administrative history.

The Public Trust Hall inside hosts performances, corporate events, and social gatherings for up to 300 people in the heart of Wellington. It remains an active venue where the building serves the community today.

The building operates today as the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and is open to visitors, though it underwent major seismic strengthening from 2014 to 2015. Keep in mind that it remains an active government office, so some areas may have restricted access.

The granite used in construction comes from the Nelson region and makes this the only large building in New Zealand built entirely from locally sourced stone. This material choice distinguishes it from other heritage structures across the country.

Location: Wellington City

Inception: 1909

Architects: John Campbell

Address: 131-135 Lambton Quay and 22 Stout Street, Wellington

Website: https://mch.govt.nz/public-trust-office-building

GPS coordinates: -41.28097,174.77642

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:47