One of Arrowtown's oldest buildings reopens after $3.5m seismic upgrade
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
It has been protecting Arrowtown’s treasures for nearly 150 years, now the former Bank of New Zealand building has been on the receiving end of community care.
The 1875 building that sits on a prominent corner site in the Central Otago town has been part of the Lakes District Museum since 1953.
It was identified as an earthquake risk in 2018 and with a seismic strengthening bill of about $3.5 million to complete the work before 2025, the future was looking bleak, long time director David Clarke said.
“We tried to the put the word about amongst the community and hoped some benefactors would come to the party, but had limited success.
Without the funding, the bank building and attached stables, which form up to half of the museum space, would have closed down.
It was only with the arrival of Covid-19 in the community and the implementation of the government’s Provincial Growth Fund that the museum was able to secure the funds it needed.
It received $2m from the fund, $1.04m from the Queenstown Lakes District Council and a grant of $456,000 from the Central Lakes Trust to upgrade internal displays.
It took three years to complete the work, which included reinstating a parapet and six chimneys, which were part of the original design in 1875 by architect Robert Lawson.
While it is the museum for the Queenstown Lakes District, which includes the larger centres of Queenstown and Wānaka, the building is also part of the distinctive Arrowtown heritage zone.
Opposite the building sit the historic Arrowtown Post Office, which still operates as a modern post shop, and another earthquake-strengthened historic building, the Fork and Tap pub.
Clarke said it was “amazing” to finish the project, which will officially open on Friday.
“It is the realisation of a lot of hard work from the staff and museum board. Of course, there’s been three years of noise and dust and all the anxiety of wondering what the future is.”
Unlike the many council-owned museums around New Zealand, the Lakes District Museum is owned and operated by a trust.
While it does receive regular council funding, it is constantly looking for the funds to survive and keep paying its staff of three fulltime and ten part-time workers.
“Covid made us realise we’re reliant on tourism dollars, but we are a museum for the community,” Clarke said.
There was also a shortfall of about $70,000 to be found from the project, he said.
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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37.2% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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23.2% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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36% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.7% I didn’t know online booking was available
A reminder this hunting season
As thousands of hunters are making their plans for autumn – the Roar – recreational firearms groups are urging hunters to always be 100% sure of their targets.
Te Tari Pureke - Firearms Safety Authority NZ, which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, has begun a public information campaign reminding hunters everywhere of Rule #4 of the Firearms Safety Code: to identify their target beyond all doubt.
Director Communities and Corporate, Mike McIlraith, says there is an estimated 50,000-60,000 New Zealanders involved in big game animal hunting each year, and the Roar is the key event for many hunters each year.
“The Roar is a fantastic time of year for hunters to get out into the hills after a trophy animal but hunting safely and making sure everyone gets home in one piece, still must be the most important goal of every trip,” says Mike McIlraith.
“The consequences of not fully identifying your target beyond all doubt can be catastrophic. Our message to hunters is a really simple one: If you are not sure, then don’t shoot.”
Mike McIlraith says while hunting fatalities are thankfully rare, research has shown that misidentification of the target is the largest firearms related risk to New Zealand deer hunters, and 80% of the time this involves members of the same hunting group.
The Authority says hunters should not feel pressured to take a shot: “Instead, hunters should take the time to analyse their target, wait and see if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how many points does its antlers have? Identifying your target means never firing at sound, shape, colour or movement alone.”
Mike McIlraith says good hunters will slow down, and run through some simple mental checks:
- Can I see the whole animal, or could this be another hunter?
- Where are my hunting companions – could this be them or someone else?
- How much of the animal can you see, if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how - many points does its antlers have?
“Taking a little extra time to identify your target and check the firing zone is the key to safer hunting. No meat or no trophy is better than no mate,” he says.
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.5% Inside!
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23.5% On top!
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