Spatial – BNZ Napier

Located at 180 Hastings Street in Napier, the Paxie’s Building is a striking example of interwar Art Deco architecture, originally designed in 1932 by the prolific Hawke’s Bay practice Finch & Westerholm. Commissioned by A. Paxie Esq., the building was home to The Zealandia Café, run by the Paxinou family, who emigrated from Greece and served the community from the site for decades.

Following the café’s closure in 2006, the building hosted a variety of tenants before being chosen by BNZ to house their relocated Napier branch.

As part of a wider retail roll out programme, CPRW worked closely with BNZ, taking their design for new retail banking environments, adapting it to suit the Napier site, and revitalising this heritage asset. The final product is a new retail banking presence that honours the character of Napier’s Art Deco legacy and BNZ’s long association with the area.

The new shopfront design draws inspiration from the iconic post-earthquake 1930s BNZ building just down the street at 100 Hastings Street. With meticulous attention to detail, CPRW developed a contemporary interpretation of its signature glazing and façade language. BNZ’s brand team embraced the historical narrative, incorporating signage and detailing that faithfully echo the spirit of the era.

This sensitive adaptive reuse celebrates the past while serving the evolving needs of the community — a true blend of heritage, identity, and utility in Napier’s architectural heart.