Sinking Millions into Auckland's Heritage Buildings

Two Auckland heritage buildings have found themselves at opposite ends of the restoration spectrum. One is grappling with a multi-million dollar asbestos crisis, while the other is set to receive a much-needed injection of funds for its long-overdue restoration.

At the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the discovery of deadly asbestos dust has thrown its $40 million centenary plans into disarray. The museum, which has been partially closed since May, is now facing unprecedented financial challenges. Visitor numbers have plummeted, with June seeing less than half of the projected weekly visitors and July falling over a third short of expectations. The Māori Court, a major attraction for international tourists, remains closed indefinitely as experts work to remove asbestos from the ceiling, a task expected to take years and drain millions from the museum's budget.

"It's a pretty serious matter," said David Reeves, the museum's chief executive. "Over the last few years we've spent down our reserves, we've redeveloped the building. It's a tricky situation and the museum board are really quite concerned about it."

The museum's chief executive described the situation as an "octopus with more than eight tentacles," highlighting the complexity and scale of the problem. The asbestos, which is not only in the roof cavity above the Māori Court but also on some artefacts, has made the removal process incredibly difficult. One proposed solution—removing the roof—has been ruled out, and workers will have to dismantle the heritage ceiling in sections after removing the artefacts below.

In stark contrast, the St James Theatre, a historic venue off Queen Street, is set to receive $30 million in funding from the government and Auckland Council. The theatre, which has stood derelict for over a decade, will finally undergo restoration after years of neglect. The funding, which was allocated by previous administrations and only recently handed over, has been described as a "reluctant" decision by the current government and council.

"That beautiful old theatre that three times hosted Queen Elizabeth on her royal visits and was a fantastic centrepiece for performance, music, theatre productions and cinema for years and generations will be restored," said Newsroom co-editor Tim Murphy.

While the St James Theatre's restoration brings hope, it also raises questions about whether Auckland needs another arts venue in its already bustling Queen Street precinct. Meanwhile, the Auckland War Memorial Museum continues to struggle with the financial and logistical challenges of its asbestos crisis, with the future of its centenary celebrations hanging in the balance.

Both buildings represent the broader challenge of preserving Auckland's heritage in the face of modern pressures, whether it be the hidden dangers of asbestos or the slow-moving bureaucracy of funding and restoration.