Friends of Russell Customhouse 'FoRC' have created a Charitable Trust to raise funds to action urgent repairs and maintenance.

Russell residents are banding together in the hope of rescuing one of New Zealand's most historic buildings before it deteriorates so badly it can't be saved.

The old Custom House was built on the waterfront in 1870, when Russell was a bustling port. When the port declined in the 1890s the building was sold to the NZ Police, who used it as the town's police station until 2010 and constable's residence until recently.

For over 2.5 years, Friends of Russell Customhouse (FoRC) have been advocating for urgent repairs to be carried out on this Category 1 historic property. We need your help! Please donate what you can to help us save this iconic building :)

Once the property is restored, FoRC hope to maintain and improve the property under the guidance of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. During this time, the property will be developed into a profit-making space for the community and visitors to enjoy, which will raise funds contributing to the future maintenance and improvements required.

FoRC is registered as a Charitable Trust with New Zealand Companies Office and the Charities Register CC64132. Friends of Russell Customhouse Trust Board 50249270. NZBN: 9429053325594. Incorporated on 11 December, 2025.