The February earthquake brought rocks raining down the hillside towards the Lyttelton Tunnel control building. Fortunately no rocks reached the building but there was significant damage.

On Sunday 31 August, birthday celebrations were held to mark the 50th anniversary of the Lyttelton Tunnel and there was a blessing of the new tunnel control building.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Southern Regional Director, Jim Harland welcomed everyone to the celebration and invited Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke kaumātua, Riki Pitama, to bless the control building. Nuk Korako spoke on behalf of Rāpaki. The Associate Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery, Nicky Wagner officially opened the building.

At the conclusion of the formalities the public walked, cycled or skateboarded through the tunnel and joined in the Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour Portside Market Day in London Street. [Read more…]