Warkworth Clock Tower

Warkworth New Zealand rather than Northumberland. 

Originally built in 1968 by the Warkworth Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce), the clock tower was a plain white concrete structure. Originally, the intention was to have a water feature (I think that means a fountain), but the Borough Council of the day decided that was too expensive and declined to fund it. 

In 2012 a project was started to decorate the structure with mosaic tiles to represent important images of the area. Thus the kowhai flower, the tui, and the mallard were necessary elements to be included. On the flat edges of both sides and the front above the clock, are tiles showing birds, plants and insects that can be seen in the area.

The finished tower was unveiled on 29 March 2014. Kaumatua Richard Nahi officiated at the ceremony. Performaces were given by the Mahurangi College Kapahaka group, and by the college's jazz band.

A West Auckland clock-maker was brought in at the last minute (the day before the unveiling!) to get the clock running again, and set to the right time. As can be seen in my photo, it is still keeping time 15 months later.