Heritage landmarks reopen

Published: 17 December 2024

Two of Napier’s favourite, most famous and most photographed landmarks will reopen to the public next week just in time for the visitor season.

The opening event begins at 7.30pm on Monday 23 December at the Veronica Sunbay and proceeds to the Tom Parker Fountain for 8.30pm. Anyone who is interested is welcome to attend.

Napier mayor Kirsten Wise explains the date and time are important, as is a good turnout by the public.

“It was 88 years ago at 8.30pm on 23 December 1936 that the lights on the Tom Parker Fountain were turned on for the first time,” says Mayor Wise. “It is said that thousands of people turned up, despite rain, to celebrate. We want to take a walk down memory lane and in some small way recapture that moment.”

After an official re-opening of the Veronica Sunbay, which has had a significant refurbishment, those attending, along with the mayor, councillors and special guests, will walk to the Fountain.

The Tom Parker was closed earlier this year for preservation work, which included replacing electrics and the pump, and installing a new lighting system. The Fountain was also returned to its original palette through a complete repaint. The bronze spill-lip was taken back to the original bronze, which had previously been painted over.

Returning both the Sunbay and Fountain to their former glory was an important part of celebrating Napier’s history, explains Mayor Wise.

“These two are icons of Napier. They are the backdrop to numerous photographs over many decades, from holiday snaps to wedding portraits and everything in between,” says Mayor Wise. “The expanse of Marine Parade from the Soundshell to the War Memorial is central to the psyche and social life of Napier, and has been for a long time. Even 150 years ago people spent time on the seafront mixing and mingling, partying or simply promenading!”

The opening event will include a celebratory promenade between the two much-loved landmarks, and those attending are encouraged to dress appropriately.

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