The first of a series of monthly time lapse videos of the Hawke's Bay Opera House strengthening project has been uploaded to the opera house website, featuring the exceptional art deco stained glass doors from the front entrance and first floor balcony.
They have been stored to ensure they remain safe until the strengthening is completed, Focus Project Management's Herman Wismeyer said.
The tiles on the foyer floor have also been removed and replacement tiles which are still available in Italy have been ordered to ensure the look remains the same.
The old tiles were uneven and broken so trying to conserve them was impossible, Mr Wismeyer said. The floor was photographed in detail to ensure the tilers could replicate the design.
The preparation will lead to a start on strengthening the unreinforced brick walls of the historic theatre and foyer.