The Cambridge Water Tower is set to be restored next summer
“Whilst we live in straightened times, some things are worth saving for posterity.”
Those words, provided by Peter Fulton, summed up the Cambridge Water Tower Group’s response to a Waipā District Council decision last week to save rather than demolish a piece of the town’s history.
James Casey addresses the Cambridge Water Tower protest at the site two years ago. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The group formed after it became evident the tower was on borrowed time.
Waipā mayor Mike Pettit said when council consulted with the community in 2024 the estimated strengthening cost for the tower was $6 million – “a figure that made removal the more realistic option”.
“Since then, our staff and engineers have worked hard to find a viable solution for restoration, and that work has paid off,” he said following the announcement of a summer restoration.
Cambridge News 28 May 2026
The council will look for outside funding to help pay for the project. At the time of the $6 million refurbishment estimate, the cost of knocking down the tower was put at $810,000.
The future of the tower has been in doubt because of its vulnerability in the event of an earthquake and a 2014 assessment which found it met just 25 per cent – subsequently reduced to 20 per cent – of building standards.
The decision to launch the $2.5 million restoration has its detractors, and they formed a queue last week on social media.
By Monday the council announcement has promoted more than 250 responses to its website. The critics variously argued the council was overlooking the fact that residents had supported a demolition plan, that money should be put towards a third bridge or to pay off debt, it was a vanity project, an eyesore – and the project should be privately funded.
Between sarcastic comments was one suggestion for a rate revolt against the council – “if we all refuse to pay rates they’d think again”.
The Te Awamutu Residents and Ratepayers Association reported “another behind closed doors decision excluding the people”.
Cambridge Water Tower protesters Peter Fulton, left, and James Casey two years ago. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
But opposition to the work was countered by residents who suggested those new to the area would struggle to see the tower’s heritage value and the tower and the cross by the Te Koo Utu gates were “part of our DNA”.
The 24 metres high and 21-metre circular structure was built in 1902 with handmade bricks and is a registered Category Two heritage building.
Heritage New Zealand has called it a rare example of a brick water tower and an impressive landmark.
The tower will be restored and earthquake-strengthened next summer. The council’s Finance and Corporate Committee directed staff to seek external funding to help offset the expected costs.
A drone shot taken in July 2024. Photo: Brian Holden.
The committee approved progressing a contract with Hamilton-based engineering specialists Surfprep Limited to carry out detailed design and strengthening works. It is planned to retain the existing water tank.
Pettit said it had been a difficult decision as there were strong views on both sides.
The outcome reflected “a pragmatic path forward”.
“The cost has come down significantly, and when you weigh that against the heritage value and the complexity and potential cost of obtaining a demolition consent, strengthening is clearly the right call.”
The project will involve an internal reinforced concrete shell bonded to the inside face of the brick wall, mechanical anchors and micro-pile foundations and an exterior maintenance programme.
It will be the first significant maintenance for the tower, one of only two of its kind left in the country.
The water tower in the background of this photo taken in January 1972 during the construction of the Resthaven main block. Photo: Cambridge Museum Collection.
The Cambridge Water Tower is set to be restored next summer
