$40,000 bill to correct archway's lean

A steel frame will be installed in the downtown archway. Photo / Dean Purcell

The Waharoa archway in Aotea Square is about to have a $30,000 to $40,000 restoration in an effort to correct a lean in the arch.

The sculpture, designed by artist Selwyn Muru, was re-installed in August when the $80 million upgrade of Aotea Square was nearing completion.

The timber structure had to be removed in 2008 to make way for the renovations.

The Auckland Council's manager of arts and culture, Louise Mason, said the sculpture's new location in a more exposed and windy area of the square may have caused the defect.

She does not believe the sculpture was damaged during the last two months of Aotea Square's renovations.

"The restoration will give extra reinforcements. We want to do what we can to protect such a precious artwork."

While the structural damage does not pose an immediate risk to public safety, Ms Mason said that the problem could might get worse if nothing was done.

"All the best practice and due care was exercised during the structural assessment and unfortunately this problem wasn't foreseen."

The copper and timber sculpture, commissioned by the Auckland City Council in 1990, is an expressionist version of a traditional Maori entry gate.

It already has steel reinforcement in the two base panels, but another steel frame will be installed within the arch to correct the lean.

The restoration is expected to be completed by next March.