Our sustainable new build starts this week. My image archive is a sober reminder of just how far we have come over eight years in this complex post earthquake rebuild process.
Before any dwelling could be placed back on site, four retaining walls had to be re-instated and the responsibility for their replacement rested with 3 different entities … groan. The major front retaining wall onto the road – shown here – was the responsibility of the City Council and they did a superb job in 2015.
Looking up from the road: the left hand retaining wall (green triangle) was covered by our neighbour’s insurance and was redone in 2014 ready for her rebuild. The back retaining wall (black oval) and smaller one (yellow rectangle) were only accessible once the cottage was demolished in 2016, and this was our expense.
Having this back retaining wall re-done was a turning point because it meant I could start on loving my trashed garden back into existence. (Next post)
