Ask Phoebe: Brighter future on the horizon for Aotea Centre

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Q: We've been deploring the fact that part of the "apron" directly in front of the Aotea Centre has been plunged into darkness for several weeks now. Those of us who frequently use the steps (between the Auckland City Council building and the concert hall) have become concerned for our personal safety. Unsuspecting tourists from nearby hotels and elderly local residents making their way into the square for concerts or city dining are at risk of falling down the stairs or being attacked from the shadows. How long can it possibly take to change a few light bulbs?
Peter King, Auckland.

A: Auckland City is replacing all the lighting in this area, not just the lightbulbs. This means new brackets and light fittings, so it takes a bit longer. As well, the contractors can only work three days a week, so as not to interrupt the Aotea markets.

An arborist is about to start trimming some of the trees around the apron to help lighten things up even further. The whole project is expected to be finished next week.

Q: For some months there were old navigation buoys placed around the city, in Beaumont St and at the bottom of College Hill, to name but two positions. When I went to point them out to my wife a week or so ago, they had disappeared. Why were they there, and where have they gone?
Kevin Purcell, Castor Bay.

A: The buoys were a temporary art installation, as part of Auckland City Council's Living Room series. There were 14 of them, placed around the streets to mark the city's original shoreline. You can find the exact placement of the buoys at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/cbd

The creators of the installation, Erwin van Asbeck and Charlotte Fisher, used the old buoys to draw attention to the transformation of the shoreline from beaches and cliffs to wharves and container traffic.

They have now been put back into storage at Onehunga Wharf.