The asbestos roof of the Victory Shed at Whanganui Port had to be removed manually during the shed's demolition because the wharf it stood on wouldn't support heavy machinery.
The demolition is Whanganui District Council's part of the $50 million Te Pūwaha port revitalisation project. The demolition was needed because three-quarters of the land the 1940s shed stands on has subsided and it can no longer bear weight.
The roof was removed in September and October. The sheets were wrapped and taken to Bonny Glen Landfill, a Whanganui District Council spokeswoman said.
After WorkSafe clearance, the rest of the demolition could proceed.
Everything that has other uses will be salvaged and stored. The shed's concrete walls will be broken down and used in site rehabilitation during the project - but the metal roof frame had deteriorated and will go to landfill.