About Guy Natusch

To honour the original architect of the Napier War Memorial Centre, in 2023 the ballroom within the Centre was officially named Natusch Ballroom. 

Guy Natusch was born and raised in Hawke’s Bay and had a life-long passion for Napier and its built environment.  A third-generation architect, he worked in the family firm established in 1886.

He was the architect of the original War Memorial Hall, opened in 1957 and many of the elements in the restored memorial reflect his designs.

Natusch designed a number of significant Napier buildings and played a major role in the preservation of landmark buildings designed by others.

He retired in 1997 but continued to share his knowledge with fellow architects, those working to save heritage buildings, Napier City Council and the wider community.  He was an adviser to Heritage New Zealand and the Historical Places Trust. 

In 2003, he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to architecture.