The iconic Carter Fountain in Oriental Bay is temporarily out of order as one of the original copper pipes has succumbed to old age and a new part needs to be made.

A significant hole has been found in one of the original main copper water pipes feeding the fountain. It needs to be removed, and a new piece fabricated and installed, and calm weather is required for both. The work is expected to take from 6-8 weeks, with costs covered through the operations and maintenance budget.

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.

Did you know?

• Original costs and maintenance

City Archive records show the costs of the fountain at the time were roughly $80,000 from Mr Carter, and the Wellington Harbour Board and Wellington City Council supplied $10,000 plus ongoing maintenance cost.

• It’s made out of concrete

Inspired by the Jet d’Eau fountain in Geneva, Switzerland, the Carter Fountain is a concrete structure with a main jet reaching 16 meters and umbrella jets that shoots water sidewards.

• It works on a timer

When operational, it is active up to four times a day and there is an inbuilt sensor that turns it off in strong northerlies so as to not spray beach goers.

• It wasn’t always loved…

The Carter Fountain was initially controversial, with people writing to newspapers in 'horror', with one person regarding it 'as a bauble to please a child while at the same time disfiguring the serenity of the sea and sky'. However, it quickly found favour with the people of Wellington city with frequent requests for it to be turned on at all times, with one person asking so that they could impress their friends visiting for lunch.

• It contributes to the city’s art and culture scene

Originally lit by halogen lamps with coloured gels, the Carter Fountain has always delighted with its lighting displays. In 2014 LED lights were introduced enabling a wider range of programable colour options. The Performance Arcade has taken the fountain to new heights with projections of ballerinas, swimmers and local taniwha Ngake and Whātaitai in the mist of the spray. For the 2022 festival people could project their own faces high above the fountain through the artwork Into the Light created by Amber Strain. A number of charitable organisations also have branded lighting scheduled to support their campaigns throughout the year.

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