The jigsaw of steel structure pieces were all carefully labelled and, with the use of a crane, were lifted into place. By the end of June, the steel shell was complete.

The timber frames were delivered in early July. By the end of the month, the roof was on.

During August, the storage shed end of the building was sheathed with ply and the exercise and change rooms end was wrapped with underlay, in readiness for cladding with cedar and Corten.

The structural steel arrived on site on 4th June. Manufacturers John Jones Steel, based in Christchurch, have sent a team to Wanaka to erect the structural steel floor and shell, which they expect to complete within 20 days. The following photos show progress during the first 4 days of construction.

The driver says it took 2 full days for a specialised team to load the truck!! Only 3 hours to unload, luckily.

Trenches for foundations were dug in early March, under the supervision of Site Arborist Ben McFarlane. With boxing, piles and reinforcing steel installed during the latter half of the month, the site was ready for concrete, which was poured on 5th April.

Left to right: Pile driving; boxing and reinforcing; concrete being poured; Chairman Michael Sidey, Architect Alistair Madill and former Trustee Kevin Gingell-Kent keep a close eye on progress; Foreman Hemi Karamaena levels the concrete strip footing; the completed foundations.

The Trust is excited to report that construction has finally started on the Watersports Facility. 
Breens contractors are putting up fencing and preparing the site, working in conjunction with Works Arborist Ben McFarlane, of Wanaka Tree Care. Ben's role is to supervise works around the existing trees, in accordance with the Tree Protection Management Plan.

The Lion Foundation has granted $40,000 towards construction costs. The Trust thanks the Lion Foundation for this support.

A pledge of $25,000 has been received from an member of the public. The willingness of a number of individuals to make a personal contribution is very heartening for the WWFT.

The WWFT will apply to the Southern Trust and the Graham and Olive West Trust for grants towards fittings.