Oamaru was declared a port of entry on August 1, 1861, and then a bonded warehouse under the New Zealand Customs Regulation Act in 1863. This elegant building, inaugurated in 1884, served as the customs office. It housed Her Majesty's collectors responsible for overseeing the collection of duties and taxes, the oldest government department in New Zealand.
Port Taxes
This is where taxes on alcohol, tobacco, tea, sugar, and grains were collected. The government appointed officials to oversee and manage customs affairs in various ports of entry across the country, including this one in Oamaru.
New Purpose
In 1981, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust acquired the building, restored it, and then sold it to the North Otago Art Society. Today, the building remains the headquarters of North Otago Art. It features a magnificent art gallery, named the Customs House Gallery, as well as a creative space.