In 1978, when the National Mutual Life building was officially opened by the Prime Minister Robert Muldoon, it was the tallest office building in Palmerston North at 122 ft, comprising of 10 stories. The ground floor was occupied by shops and the Fitzherbert Avenue branch of the Bank of New Zealand. Car parking was provided in the basement. Rex Roberts Partnership designed the building and McMillan and Lockwood were responsible for the construction.