This is Part 1 in a series about my payphone.

A Payphone?

Late in 2025, I was offered a New Zealand Post Office Payphone, so I said, “Yes please!”

Overview

It’s a payphone (public call station) likely from the mid 1970’s but the exact date is unknown. It has a rotary dial and takes the older style NZ coins (10c, 20c, 50c). Overall it is in working condition, I have it connected and working.

Connected?

Yes, it is connected to the world. The phone is 100% analog, the phone line is connected via a Grandstream HT801 (about $90 NZD) and a cheap VoIP service.

Can it take incoming calls?

Yes, at this point I have not shared the public number with anyone and so the only calls it gets are scam calls.

Can it make outgoing calls?

Yes, as long as you put in the 20c coin :-)

Where do the coins go?

At this point I am missing the coin box, so the coins pass through the coin mechanism and fall out the bottom. I am looking for documentation so I can build a replacement coin box.

Documentation?

The internet is a bit thin on documentation for this payphone. Many people told me that it’s an Easiphone, which is a close match but not the same. Then I was given an original NZPO document.

What’s next?

I am still undecided on a full restoration versus just a tidy-up.
The two parts that most need attention are the dial head, which is missing a screw and is loose, and the coin bar leaf switches which are a bit bent.
The the dial head screw should be easy, I just need to match the thread.
The leaf switches appear to be similar to the switches used in 1970’s pinball machines.

More photos