Wellington City Council is organising a barge with a crane so staff and contractors can get out to the fountain to lift out the electric motor and pump that normally sends the water sky-high. We’ll then have to send the motor off to electrical experts for repairs and any other necessary maintenance. The motor and pump were last removed for maintenance in 2009 – the mechanism does require regular TLC, given that electrical gear and seawater can be a problematic combination.
- The fountain, built in 1973, was donated to the city by local businessman Hugh Carter. He dedicated it to his parents, George and Ella, and named it Carter Fountain. Tragically, only days after the fountain was dedicated, Mr Carter slipped from his launch - which he had sailed from Picton for the opening ceremony - and drowned in Wellington Harbour, aged 55.