The Waimarino County Council offices building was designed as a result of a competition held in 1918 for the purpose of replacing the old county offices burnt down in the fire of that year. Architect F.A. Carter won the competition but plans were abandoned due to high construction costs. The present building was built to a modified design of the County Engineer, Mr Hogg, but as he redesigned Mr Carter's original plans, some credit should be given to the former architect of the building.