Facelifts underway for Far North facilities

Two landmarks in the Far North are undergoing repairs, part of an Objects and Statue work programme for the district.

In Kawakawa, the distinctive Kawakawa District War Memorial at the entrance to Johnson Park is having its columns and arch removed to carry out restoration work off-site. The columns have developed cracks and will be reconstructed, while the arch is showing signs of corrosion and will be removed and re-galvanised.

The work, being carried out by Kaitāia company Stonecraft Construction, begins this week, and is expected to take three to four weeks to complete.

For the second project, joinery is being replaced at the Paihia War Memorial Hall following leaks in the building. This work is being carried out by Kerikeri Bay Builders and is expected to be completed by the end of May.

The hall is popular in the town, with community and business groups using the facilities regularly.

In earlier projects, works were successfully carried out to the Kohukohu Cemetery Fence after issues with pigs getting into the grounds. A retaining wall was constructed to protect the new fence.

The 113-year-old Hone Heke obelisk on Kaikohe’s Monument Hill has also been repaired. Contractors strengthened the foundations, and a qualified stonemason cleaned and fixed cracks in the granite.