The Ministry for Culture and Heritage says it's still aiming to reopen the National War Memorial by Anzac Day 2026. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
In a sign of potential further seismic problems with Wellington's Carillon bell tower, the cladding on its outside is now being tested.
The tower that is the centrepiece of the Pukeahu war memorial is meant to open by next Anzac Day.
But the Ministry for Culture and Heritage said "unexpected elements" had been revealed as it went along.
"Much like any construction or restoration work, we expected to discover aspects we didn't know about before," acting deputy secretary of delivery and investment, Kartini Havell, told RNZ.
"We are currently testing some of the exterior cladding.
"This testing will be complete by the end of September and be followed with a report of findings and any suggested options. Without the test results, we will not speculate on what impacts may or may not be.
"It is still our goal to reopen the National War Memorial by Anzac Day 2026."
The tower has been closed for earthquake strengthening for five years, following stop-start disruption from repairs stretching back to 2011.
It was a complex heritage building, and many different factors needed to be considered to ensure it was maintained and met standards for seismic resilience, Havell said.
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