Built-in 1895, this was the third Customhouse at Port Ahuriri, Napier. It was purchased and restored by the Napier Harbour Board in 1988. The Old Customhouse Trust was formed in 1989 to administer and maintain this historic building. The sign mounted outside the building explains its history.
The Old Customhouse is available for rental and is ideally suited to small group meetings or displays. The “Long Room” can comfortably seat thirty people and there is direct access to kitchen and toilet facilities from this room. A Museum with an extensive collection of both Customs and maritime artefacts and photographs are housed in the Old Customhouse.
The Old Customhouse Trust Deed set up the charitable trust with the objects:
- To maintain the Customhouse building
- To make the Customhouse available for use by local organisations at a low cost
- To display historic items for the enjoyment of the public
- To promote the maritime history of the Port of Napier
To preserve the history of the Customs House of Napier Port and to educate children of the district, and visitors on the proud history of Napier as an importer and exporter.
