Hopwood Clock Tower

Hopwood Clock Tower is a six-story structure in The Square featuring illuminated glass panels at its base and a lantern-style roof section at the top. The building blends contemporary materials with traditional architectural form.

Arthur Hopwood funded construction in 1953 to house the city clock after it had been stored away since the 1942 Wairarapa earthquake. The original mechanism was relocated into this new structure.

The tower bears the Maori name Kerei Te Panau, named after a Rangitane chieftain, linking the structure to local indigenous identity and heritage.

The structure underwent complete reconstruction in 2007 while maintaining its original design character. The illuminated summit is best viewed after dark to see the details clearly.

A preserved stone cross sits inside an illuminated transparent container at the summit, becoming visible at night. This religious element often goes unnoticed by passing visitors.

Location: Palmerston North

Floors above the ground: 6

GPS coordinates: -40.35639,175.61134

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:40