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Story: Wairarapa places

Faux heritage?

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Faux heritage?

Greytown is celebrated for the Victorian-era wooden buildings that line its main street. However, some are not what they seem. The former Bank of New Zealand (far left) is close to its original appearance – but the middle structure has a new frontage, designed to look old. Critics claim that such buildings are faux heritage.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

by Shirley Williams

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How to cite this page

Ben Schrader, Wairarapa places – Greytown, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/12022/faux-heritage (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Ben Schrader, published 2 March 2009, updated 11 June 2015.