Auckland wharves fence gets $500,000 new lease of life

By WAYNE THOMPSON

The high iron fence that protected precious cargoes on Auckland wharves for more than 80 years has been refurbished at a cost of $500,000.

The first section of the red fence and its gates arrived from England in 1913 to enclose Queen's Wharf, hub of the city's commercial activity.

Soon afterwards the waterfront became embroiled in the general strike and 1000 mounted farmers guarded volunteer workers loading farm produce for Britain.

The lamps on top of the gateposts were first lit in March 1914 and by 1922 the fence was extended along Quay St. It included a set of double leaf gates for the railway line that ran along Quay St and on to the wharves.

The 1km fence is designated Category A Heritage by the Auckland City Council.

Ports of Auckland paid for the gates and fence to be stripped of lead paint, repainted with a marine coating and repaired and for 25 lamps to be restored to working order.

The company's chief executive, Geoff Vazey, said the fence improved the aesthetics of the wharves and protected the area.