Renovation Progress - Access Steps

During 1999, accessibility to the Gifford Memorial Observatory site was vastly improved, largely due to the efforts of Les Meek - an old boy of Wellington College and strong supporter of Trust's activities. Les voluntarily designed and constructed a new path up to the site. This new path features wooden steps and handrails, and greatly eases the climb up to the site from Wellington College's main grounds. Most of the material supplies for this work was purchased at significant discount from "friendly" suppliers due to Les' efforts.

His Excellency the Governor General Sir Michael Hardie Boys formally opened this path in September 1999.

In addition, in late 1999 the observatory site was cleared of vegetation, and native trees and shrubs planted alongside the new path to the observatory.