Clocks in the city center are not uncommon for most cities. At the same time, each such monument has its history and becomes a favorite meeting place for residents and the main landmark for tourists.

The Hopwood Clock Tower, located in the heart of Palmerston North, is named after local businessman Arthur Hopwood, who funded the construction of such an unusual monument, for that time, in 1953.

Originally, the main city clock was located on the main street post office building. Unfortunately, after the earthquake in 1942, the clock had to be dismantled and sent for storage. First, the clock was damaged and needed repair. Secondly, there was a danger that if the earthquake occurred again, it could completely break down.

For more than 10 years, the clock was kept in a specially equipped room. In 1953 a wealthy entrepreneur, Arthur Hopwood gave the city 10,000 pounds to build a new tower where the clock could be placed.

The construction of the memorial tower was begun immediately after receipt of funds. And the grand opening of the new city attraction took place four years later, in 1957.

During its existence, Hopwood Clock Tower has been repaired and reconstructed many times. So, in the early 1960s, a stone cross was installed on the tower as a memory of the great leader. In the 1990s, the mechanisms responsible for the sound of the clock were replaced.

But the most extensive restructuring took place in the mid-2000s when the square was reconstructed. Then the builders found out that the tower itself is made according to the old and not the best technologies. And if it is not demolished now, it will fall in a few years. Despite the protests of residents, the monument was completely disassembled and recreated in the original design but with the use of new technologies. Only the clock itself has been preserved from all the old things. The stone cross was also changed: it was placed in a transparent box at the top of the tower, which in the evening was illuminated with bright colors, giving the entire tower a slightly magical appearance.