Unique architecture

The Building was erected over a 20 yr. period, from 1902 to early in the 1920's —the only unplastered brick building in gothic form in Wellington. It is considered by many to be architecturally unique, [unclear: bein] a mixture of English Perpendicular and Tudor styles, as well as having, according to a prominent Wellington architect, something of a "kiwi" interpretation inside Apart from its architectural value, Hunter is of historical and (dare one say it?) sentimental value. It was the first building erected for the city's University and was the principal University building, as such performing an important function in the life of Wellington. These reasons not only five rise to the feeling that immediate demolition is objectionable, but many feel they are so significant that Hunter must not be pulled down at all.

After the '73 earthquake and the subsequent damage (there was another in 1974 which also caused some damage), the University's consultants were advised by the City Council that Hunter did not meet safety specifications set down in section 301 A of the Municipal Corporations Act, and that unless it could be strengthened, enabling it to meet two-thirds of the seismic requirements of new buildings. Hunter would have to be demolished.