Connections and Communications through the Post Office and Telephone Exchange

This exhibition reflects on a time before digital communication, when communities such as Katikati relied heavily on the Post Office and Telephone Exchange to stay connected to the broader society.

The New Zealand Post Office served as the lifeline through which people remained in touch with friends, family, and vital services.

It was the beating heart of communication. Births, engagements, marriages, and emergencies were all conveyed through the trusted hands of postal workers. News of joy, sorrow, and opportunity travelled through the wires and postal bags, carrying the stories that shaped communities.

The post office was central to civic life, serving as a hub for mail collection, savings deposits, car licensing, bill payments, and general life admin. But it was more than an office — it was a place where people connected, shared news, and engaged with the economy.

Similarly, the Telephone Exchange revolutionised communication. For many, the first time they heard a loved one’s voice from afar was over these crackling lines. These exchanges were the precursors to the instant communication systems we rely on today, but in their time, they were seen as cutting-edge technology that brought people closer in an increasingly connected world.

In this exhibition, we invite you to explore the rich history of these institutions that once played such a vital role in our community. These Echoes of Exchange remind us of the powerful ways in which communication, connection, and community were once intertwined.