Dunedin plumber honoured Safety plans with rare life membership for memorial
BRIAN Foley was last night awarded a rare life membership of Master Plumbers New Zealand.
A former second generation owner of Foleys, Mr Foley (80) was ‘‘absolutely blown away’’ to receive the honour at a function in Dunedin.
He received the honour from his son, Craig, who is the national chairman of Master Plumbers.
Brian Foley had previously served on the Masters Plumbers national executive for 20 years, also as national president (199697), and is a life member of the organisation’s Otago branch.
Mr Foley, who still works parttime, said the national body had only six surviving life members and he felt ‘‘pretty lucky to be one of them’’.
Mr Foley’s award had been due to be announced earlier at the Master Plumbers national conference, but this was cancelled because of the Covid19 lockdown.
Foleys is the biggest plumbing firm in Dunedin and employs more than 220 staff in total around the South Island and in Palmerston North.
WELLINGTON: Plans are in place for public safety at the earthquakeprone National War Memorial Carillon bell tower in Wellington, the Government says.
Engineers have found three weak parts of the tower.
Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Grant Robertson said he met the Ministry for Arts, Culture and Heritage Jacinda Ardern and had been assured ‘‘that appropriate arrangements have been put in place to ensure public safety, following independent expert advice’’.
The ministry was working with engineers on strengthening plans.
In a statement, Mr Robertson said he was focused on making sure the national heritage building could be used again during commemorations.
The tower has had to be closed despite six years of strengthening work.
It must be repaired by May 2022, but a detailed repair plan has yet to be made. — RNZ