Published 24/11/2022
Lightwing sculpture taking temporary leave from Seaview roundabout
The iconic Lightwing sculpture will be taking a temporary leave of absence from the Seaview roundabout, as work continues on the Barber Grove to Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant Pipe Duplication project.
The project, which began in February, will duplicate an old wastewater main to reduce the risk of wastewater entering Te Awa Kairangi and the Waiwhetu stream in the event of an earthquake.
The sculpture will be removed after ANZAC weekend, in time for the next stage of the project which involves digging a temporary pit under the Seaview roundabout to launch the Micro Tunnel Boring Machine. There are traffic management plans are in place to minimise disruption while the removal takes place.
“This tunnelling method is a win for residents on Randwick Road as it removes the need for open-trenching, which means less disruption for our communities” says Wellington Water Project Lead, Linda Fairbrother.
Back in 2018, Thomas gathered his inspiration for Lightwing from the surrounding environment, including the Waiwhetu stream. It therefore seems fitting that the sculpture has a role to play in a project which aims to protect the natural environment around it.
Lower Hutt residents are reassured that Lightwing will be reinstated in 2023, as the pipe duplication project comes to a close.