Constructed in 1901-1902, the Post Office (Former) on a prominent corner site at 59 King Street and Domain Avenue, Temuka, is a grand two storeyed building, constructed of brick with plastered detailing. Officially opened by the acting premier, Sir Joseph Ward, in June 1902, the building has social, historical and architectural significance.

A post office was first established in Temuka in circa 1869. It became increasingly busy, as a reflection of the prosperity of the district, and by the end of the nineteenth century a decision was made that a replacement post office was required. Money for the new post office was voted in 1899 but construction delayed until it was determined where it would be built. Ultimately it was confirmed it would be on the site of the earlier post office. Tenders were called by the Public Works engineer, E R Ussher, in June 1901. Mr J L Potter supervised the erection of the new post office, with Messrs Petrie and Son as the carpenters and Messrs Palliser as contractors and plasterers. The new building was officially opened by Sir Joseph Ward, in front of a large crowd, on 16 June 1902. At the same time, a bottle with coins, stamps, telegraph form and a copy of the Temuka Leader were included in the laying of the foundation stone. The ground floor was used for public offices and the upper storey housed the post master.

Situated beside the William Rolleston Memorial Lamp, on a prominent corner site of Temuka’s central business district at 59 King Street and Domain Avenue, the brick and plaster building has an asymmetrical plan. The main part of the building is two storeys in height and has a pavilion roof. Its street-facing elevations (east and north) are heavily detailed with classical features such as rusticated quoins and sash windows with pilasters, pediments, aprons and swags. The primary entrance is on the east front, with steps leading to a curved arch, above which are the words ‘ER’ ‘POST OFFICE’ and beyond which is a foyer and the main doors to the building. The south-east corner of the building is curved and forms a wide wedge shape. At the western end of the south elevation is a single storey brick wing, with a hipped roof. At the centre of the west (rear) elevation is a single storeyed brick wing, accessed through a covered doorway on its north side, and with half-pavilion roof.

It was noted at the opening service of the new Temuka Post Office in 1902 that, in New Zealand, the post offices were used in many directions and for many purposes that was not the custom in other countries. The Temuka Post Office, for example, was not only for mail services but also banking and even Registry weddings. Over the years some of the original architectural detailing at roof level has been removed from the building – tall chimneys protruding at the corners of the building, pediments and ironwork at the upper part of the roof were all removed some time prior to the mid 1980s. The building appears to have ceased being used as a post office in 1989, at which time it was purchased by the Temuka Assembly of God Trust Board. In 2006 ownership was transferred to Alexander and Laurie Copland, and the building now houses Laurie’s collection and shop of vintage fashion items.