The hunt is on for the next custodian of New Zealand’s longest continually operating post office, with the retirement of Ophir’s long-serving postmistress, Val Butcher.

Val has been behind the schist-stone counter for 26 years.

“I was just in the right place at the right time,” said Val, who first stepped into the job to relieve the previous postmistress, and never really left. 

“It was the right job for me.”

The 1886-built post office is maintained by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, which claimed the distinctive stone building is one of the most photographed in the country and a magnet for visitors.

But for Val, it has never been about the bricks and mortar.

“It’s the people that make the place so special,” she said. 

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

Built in 1886, the post office is a Category 1 Historic Place. Image: Supplied/Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga/Bec Collie

For many in Ophir, the post office is a local hub, and Val has often been the receiver and bearer of good - or difficult - news.

“Things happen every day that are enjoyable - it’s these moments that are so lovely that rub off on me; people celebrating birthdays or having a new grandchild,” she said.

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

She admits she won’t miss icy Central Otago mornings - “the mail must get through regardless” - but she will miss the rhythm and warmth of her daily work routine. 

“I have never been lonely,” she said. 

“[This job] has given me so much confidence - and it got me out of bed every day.”

One of the highlights of her long tenure? Fielding a week’s worth of congratulations after her grandson Finn Butcher won gold in Kayak Cross at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“I’m now looking forward to having more time to spend on things that are important to me - like my children and grandchildren,” she said. 

“I’ll probably still loiter at the post office to catch up with people.”

She will also continue to write the town’s monthly community newsletter.

The post office is now awaiting its next caretaker, with a permanent, 15-hours-a-week role being advertised.

“Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is looking for a confident host to engage with visitors and assist with mail operations at our heritage property, Ophir Post Office in Central Otago,” the job listing read.

Applications close on August 10.

Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]