Oriental fountain broken

One of Wellington’s favourite fountains is out of action, and could remain so for two or three months. The Carter Fountain in Oriental Bay has broken down, likely due to an electrical short, Wellington City Council said. Spokesman Richard MacLean said the fault was noted after concerned Wellingtonians called in wondering why the fountain was not on even though the weather was calm. The fountain is generally switched off in high winds so spray is not sent on to people walking along Oriental Parade. The council was organising a barge with a crane so staff and contractors could get to the fountain and lift out the motor and pump. It would be sent to electric experts for repairs, MacLean said. ‘‘Pumping seawater means it gets a pretty hard time.’’ The last time the motor was replaced was in 2009, at a cost to ratepayers of $29,000.