Heritage NZ – Ophir’s postmistress retires after 26 years

A much loved heritage stalwart is retiring after more than two decades serving her community.

Val Butcher, the postmistress of the historic Ophir Post Office, is leaving her old stamping ground after 26 years working in the iconic building which is cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.

But although her days of serving the public behind the counter may be over, she won’t be going far.

“I’ll probably still loiter at the Post Office to catch up with people – and I’ve still got to write my monthly community newsletter,” she says.

With its distinctive schist finish, the Ophir Post Office is one of the most photographed buildings in the South Island, drawing visitors from around the country and the world. Built in 1886, it also happens to be Aotearoa New Zealand’s longest running post office.

History aside, however, it’s the people that make the place so special according to Val.

“The community is very caring, and the visitors that come from all over the world all bring something in the way of knowledge,” she says.

“It’s amazing how many people who have helped me learn the histories, or have passed on their stories of the place, or their own family history of the place.”

Although Val won’t miss getting up on cold winter mornings – “the mail must get through regardless” – she will miss the daily interactions with the community she loves.

“Things happen everyday that are enjoyable – it’s these moments that are so lovely that rub off on me; people celebrating birthdays or having a new grandchild. The Post Office is such a hub for this community that the news is often delivered here too, and that makes it so enjoyable,” she says.

“There have been sad things that happen as well – but the community rallies around when they do.”

Val almost fell into the role by accident after doing some relieving work for the previous post mistress. Val was the obvious replacement when she left.

“I was just here at the right time and the right place, and it was the right job for me,” she says.

“I feel it has given me a lot of confidence – and it got me out of bed each day!”

Highlights over the years have included being profiled in Shepherdess magazine, and of course celebrating her grandson Finn Butcher’s gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics after he won the mens’ Kayak Cross event.

“People popped in to congratulate me all week,” she says.

Val believes the Post Office is a place that keeps the community together, and says the role has kept her connected with the community.

“I have never been lonely and have made so many fri