First urpose built Government Print Building was in use in 1888, located on land bordered by Lambton Quay, Featherston and Bunny Streets (History of the Government Printing Office / by W.A. Glue. Wellington, N.Z. : Govt. Printer, 1966). In 1896-1897 a large four storied wing was added facing Lambton Quay (see Cyclopedia of New Zealand, vol 1, p122). In 1935 the two corner towers and domes of this addition were removed because they were earthquake risks (see Evening Post, 15 June 1935, p17 for photos of scaffolding up and demolition underway). Buildings demolished in 1962, though a section of the ground floor of the Lambton Quay wing was retained until the new building in Mulgrave Street was ready for occupation (see photo published in the Evening Post, 15 May 1962). New building on Mulgrave Street opened in 1966. In 1990 this building was sold to Archives New Zealand. In 1976 the printing operations of the Government Printing Office were relocated to Masterton in the Wairarapa. This operation has since been privatized.

This auction is for 6 little items of NZ history from the Government Printing Office.