Historic gold mining relic to be preserved

Strengthening work on an historic gold mining relic, which may be the only one of its kind in the world, is set to begin.

The 16m high, 101-year-old pumphouse at Waihi, in the Bay of Plenty, has been closed for several years for safety reasons. But approval is expected to be given within the new few weeks to start strengthening work to stop it collapsing.

"It will reduce the risk significantly of it collapsing because of the tilt," said Langley Cavers, from the Hauraki District council.

A drilling rig has been at the site for several weeks to test the stability of the ground around the old pumphouse and plans have been submitted to the council to begin building strengthening inside.

The pumphouse is classified by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a piece of history with national importance.

- NZPA