The Carter Fountain

The Carter Fountain was a gift to the city of Wellington from local resident and businessman Hugh Carter, as a tribute to his parents George and Ella Carter and the people of Wellington. A plaque was installed on the band rotunda saying: "Carter Fountain. In Memory. This fountain was donated to the people of Wellington by the family of the late George and Ella Carter, who had a great love of their city. 16th March 1973". Carter was inspired by the Jet d'Eau fountain he saw in Geneva in the early 1960s. Construction began in 1972 and cost NZ$75,000. There was some controversy when the project was announced as some residents objected to the fountain on aesthetic reasons or because it might interfere with rowing, or thought the money it cost could have been better spent elsewhere.

The fountain was officially opened on 16 March 1973. Tragedy struck just days after the fountain was officially opened. Carter had moored his launch Kualani in the harbour for the opening of the fountain. He disappeared from the boat on the night of 20/21 March and his body was found in the harbour on 21 March.He was 55.