Getting on with it

From City Scene, published on 20 January, 2008

Auckland Town Hall

Maintenance work completed on historic Auckland Town Hall

Recently completed maintenance on the Auckland Town Hall (right) focused on the real threat to the heritage building's limestone façade of increasing numbers of roosting birds and pigeons in particular. The problem was addressed by using a product, certified as humane by United States animal protection organisations, that deters the birds with a very low voltage electrical pulse. This discourages the birds from landing on the building and leaving a mess. Other areas had the existing wire system of bird deterrent upgraded and combined with mesh protection to exclude the pigeons from favourite nesting spots. As part of the restoration work, the limestone was cleaned by hand using a non-abrasive technique to remove lichen and harmful algae. No attempt was made to remove the stonework darkening as this is a normal part of the aging process. Other maintenance work included repainting joinery, lime mortar repairs to the stonework, removal and refurbishment of the existing cast iron down pipes and the replacement of irreparable down pipes with new units cast in England, using traditional methods.

No more flooding for playing field

Flooding problems that restricted year-round use of the Waiheke Island Sports Club field have been addressed by work recently completed by the council. The work, carried out with the club's support, included installing new drainage systems at the causeway end of the field. Once the ground has been levelled and grass resown, the field will be available for use throughout the year, starting with the 2008 winter sports season.

Wharf Road foreshore protected

Barriers have been installed between Wharf Road and the foreshore next to the Putiki estuary in Waiheke Island to protect the area following damage caused by cars driving on the road verge. Other improvements to the area include creating specific areas for parking and beach access, installing a picnic table, and fencing off grass areas.

Safer summer walking

Enjoy the warmer weather by going for a walk after work this summer. The council recently completed several footpath upgrades to improve pedestrian safety including Ponsonby Road (between Great North and Crummer roads), Martin Avenue, Minto and Ngapuhi roads, Remuera Road (between Portland and Norana roads), Gilgit Road (between Mountain and Almorah roads) and Glenfell Place (between Mountain Road and the end of Glenfell Place).