The heart of Wellington bore witness to an extraordinary turn of events when Port Wellington defied expert advice to construct skyscrapers on reclaimed land. This decision, now infamous in local lore, has sparked renewed debate over the future of the waterfront—and a compelling case for a National Aquarium.

A Bold Decision Gone Wrong

Wellington’s downtown, from Lambton Quay to the harbour, stands on reclaimed land—essentially a foundation of rubble and construction materials. Despite warnings from some of the city’s sharpest property developers, the Port proceeded to erect skyscrapers on this precarious base. Experts had cautioned that such developments could lead to disaster during an earthquake, warning of a city prone to collapse on the waterfront and economic ruin for Lambton Quay.

Picture source: www.newzealand.com

These dire predictions materialised in a midnight earthquake. The buildings toppled, their fragility exposed. Miraculously, no lives were lost. Had the quake struck during the day, the outcome could have been catastrophic, with thousands at risk, especially in the BNZ building, where falling air conditioning units were identified as a hazard.

The Aftermath: Wealth Redistribution

Insurance payouts salvaged the Port, to the tune of an estimated $700 million. However, this windfall came at a cost to Wellington’s Central Business District (CBD). The insurance firms, facing enormous losses, raised premiums for CBD businesses. Through an unintended chain of events, $700 million was effectively funnelled from the CBD to the Port.

For many, this outcome felt like theft—an unbalanced redistribution of wealth driven by poor decisions.

An Opportunity to Repay

It is time for Port Wellington to return this misappropriated wealth to the community. A National Aquarium, built on Bluebridge Wharf, presents a unique opportunity to revitalise the city and repay the CBD for its losses.

Such an attraction, with towering 20-metre glass walls overlooking the harbour, would not only transform the waterfront but also draw visitors in droves. The aquarium could align with Wellington’s identity as a hub of culture and innovation, offering an educational and entertaining experience.

The Economic Case

The economic benefits are hard to ignore. Peter Jackson’s proposed movie museum is projected to attract 700,000 visitors annually to Lyall Bay. A National Aquarium could match, if not surpass, this figure, potentially doubling the number of annual tourists to Wellington.

Picture source: Wikipedia

With 1.4 million extra visitors, the city would enjoy a surge in spending on accommodation, dining, and transport. The aquarium would serve as a linchpin in Wellington’s tourism strategy, ensuring a sustainable economic boost while enriching the city’s cultural landscape.

A Logical Step Forward

Building a National Aquarium is not just a moral imperative; it is a visionary investment. The Port can turn its past mistakes into a legacy of progress by creating a world-class attraction that benefits the entire city.

For Wellingtonians, it represents the possibility of reclaiming pride in their waterfront—a site marred by ill-conceived projects but brimming with potential. With a bold vision and $700 million in hand, the Port has the chance to transform its legacy and Wellington’s future.

Who thinks that’s a good idea? Everyone who values progress, fairness, and opportunity.