Around New Zealand many Post Offices have closed due to a number of reasons, most notably a diminishing local population.
One such Post Office was that serving the residents of Silverhope 19km North-east of Marton.
Silverhope was named after London merchant, Stephen William Silver, after whom Silvertown in London is also named. About 1879, he bought the 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) property of the same name, and converted it from bush to farming. He is also known for his extensive collection of New Zealand birds (catalogued by Sir Walter Buller) held in Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Upon his death in 1886, the Estate was subdivided in 1899 into 20 farms of between 129 and 549 acres of "good rolling country, extremely well grassed, with a carrying capacilty of 2½ sheep to the acre." These farms were all within close proximity to the Main Trunk railway line at Hunterville or Silverhope.
Silverhope railway station was opened in 1888, served by two trains a week. By 1896 Silverhope had a shelter shed, passenger platform, cart approach, urinals and a passing loop for 21 wagons. Stockyards were added in 1908.
Silverhope Public School, opened in 1886, in a small wooden building, with a playground of about an acre of land attached. It closed in 1937, with its remaining pupils bussed daily to Hunterville.
The Silverhope Post Office as indicated operated from 1894 to 1926 when the Postmaster General suggested that the work of the old dilapidated post office at Silverhope should be replaced by a daily rural delivery from Hunterville. By that date Silverhope had a population of less than 50 from around 171 in 1896.
LET US HAVE A BLOCK PARTY!!!
On May 3rd, 2025, we will be celebrating 25 years of geocaching in Rotorua, New Zealand with a special Block Party event. Join us to celebrate 25 years of this amazing game, and that the very first geocache hidden outside of the United States, 25 years ago, was hidden here in New Zealand.
You do not want to miss this event, so check out the "GCAKR25 25 Years of Geocaching NZ!” event page, the event website for more details, join the Facebook group, and sign up to the email list to get updates...
If you intend to come, please make sure you get your "Will Attend" log onto the page as soon as you can in order to assist with planning the first ever Block Party in New Zealand.