Sound barrier is an eyesore, say locals

The acoustic barrier hits a sour note. Photo / Doug Sherring

Auckland has its own Great Wall of China - and residents aren't happy.

The 700m behemoth has been set up to shield homes at the end of the under-construction Northwestern Motorway extension from traffic noise.

The New Zealand Transport Agency said the orange colour was a reference to West Auckland's ceramics industry.

It is due to be painted with black "tyre track" designs by Helensville artist Jeff Thomson.

Auckland highways manager Tommy Parker said the wall would add "visual character" and more were planned for the area. The agency is contributing about $3 million to the project.

But the wall doesn't suit everyone. One neighbour has called it "visual pollution".

Rebecca Ward said it was "bloody ugly" and hoped the colour was an undercoat.

"Someone needs to do some work on their colour palettes."

Another unnamed neighbour said it was "quite intrusive". "It looks a bit terrible."