UNESCO New Zealand

Historical Waterworks Building wins Heritage Award

The Waterworks Building and its associated engineer’s cottage located on the grounds of the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) in Auckland has won the 2009 UNESCO Asia Pacific Award of Merit. The building was designed by William Errington in 1875 with the purpose of bringing water from the Western Springs Reservoir to Auckland. By 1928 the source of water had changed, and the building fell into disuse. It became part of the Museum in 1964. By 2000 there was a pressing need for conservation, as the roof was leaking and sectors of the cornices had collapsed, with vegetation encroaching upon the structures. There was an added intention of restoring the Scottish-made beam engine pump machinery to full working order. In its hey day the Waterworks engine pumped two million of waters a day from the Western Springs Lake to homes throughout Auckland.  It is the first time a New Zealand building has won this award.

Please visit our UNESCO Bangkok office for more information:

www.unescobkk.org/culture/our-projects/empowerment-of-the-culture-profession/asia-pacific-heritage-awards-for-culture-heritage-conservation/2009-heritage-awards/project-entries/awards-for-culture-heritage-conservation-2009/new-zealand/