The trig beacon at the summit of Maungawhau/Mount Eden will be removed next week due to health and safety concerns.
Astride the trig station used to draw up Auckland’s suburbs in the late 19th century, the structure was more than 40 years old and had reached the end of its usable life, said Land Information New Zealand acting surveyor general Jeff Needham.
“Modern survey methods mean there is less of a reliance on traditional trig beacons in surveying, so we won’t be rebuilding any structure in its place.
“The raised platform and survey mark underneath the beacon will stay, and visitors will be able to continue to access the site.”
Needham said surveying was no longer “heavily reliant” on these purpose-built structures which were expensive to maintain.
“The Sky Tower is an example of a modern alternative surveying reference point in common use.”
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority, who looked after the mountain, said it supported the removal of the trig beacon to prioritise the health and safety of manuhuri or visitors.
Work was expected to take one to two days to complete.
