War memorial Carillon bell tower safety plans in place - government

2:17 pm on 6 July 2020

Plans are in place for public safety at the earthquake-prone National War Memorial Carillon bell tower in Wellington, the government says.

Carillon Bells will be heard regularly at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park after 3 years of being restored.

Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Engineers have found three weak parts of the tower.

Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Grant Robertson said he met with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and had been assured "that appropriate arrangements have been put in place to ensure public safety, following independent expert advice".

The ministry was working with engineers on plans for strengthening work.

In a statement, Robertson said he was focused on making sure the national heritage building could be used again during commemorations.

The tower has had to be closed despite six years of strengthening work.

It must be fixed by May 2022, but a detailed repair plan has yet to be made.

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