A historic steam locomotive that helped build two of Auckland's most important water supply dams is now on public display outside the Huia Settlers Museum.
Affectionately known as Hector, the locomotive played a key role in building the Upper Nihotupu (1915-1923) and Upper Huia (1925-1929) dams in the Waitākere Ranges, critical infrastructure that continues to supply Auckland's drinking water today.
After spending more than 30 years at Watercare's Parau Depot, where Watercare's headworks team operates and maintains the region's western water supply assets, Hector has been carefully transported, restored and prepared for public display with support from Waitākere Ward Councillor Ken Turner.
Turner first learned of Hector through discussions with Watercare. The organisation had been looking for a new home for the locomotive for some time.
To move Hector from the depot to his business, Ken Turner Motors, Turner enlisted the help of his youngest son, a local contractor.
"With his help, machinery and my tractors, we moved Hector to my business premises, where we began the preservation work," says Turner.
We removed years of dirt and debris and applied the first coat of rust-preventative treatment, which will need to be reapplied annually.
"The whole job of moving, cleaning, making it safe and preparing it for display has taken around 80 hours over several months.
"Once the restoration work was complete, attention turned to creating a permanent home for Hector.
"We installed railway track and sleepers donated by KiwiRail, along with ballast, the crushed stone typically used beneath railway tracks, supplied by Stevensons."
Turner says placing Hector outside the Huia Settlers Museum helps preserve an important piece of local history.
"The steam locomotives that helped build the dams, and earlier hauled kauri logs along the west coast beaches, are a well-known part of Waitākere's heritage and history."
Hector the historical locomotive in his earlier years on the Nihotupu Quarry Line.
Watercare headworks manager James Talbot says finding a way to put Hector on public display had long been Watercare's goal.
"Our intent has always been for Hector to be publicly displayed.
"We appreciate the significant history the locomotive represents and want to ensure its story and contribution are properly preserved and shared.
"The challenge was finding the right home and the right people willing to help make that happen.
"Ken and his son have done a fantastic job restoring Hector and preparing it for display.
"Thanks to their efforts, visitors to the Huia Settlers Museum can now see an important piece of Auckland's water supply history up close and learn about the role it played in building the infrastructure we still rely on today."
About Hector
Built in 1917, the steam locomotive Hector played a key role in constructing the Upper Nihotupu and Upper Huia dams in the Waitākere Ranges, hauling rock and materials needed to build two of Auckland's most important water supply assets.
After the Upper Huia Dam was completed in 1929, Hector spent about a decade hauling logs in the timber industry.
Now on display outside the Huia Settlers Museum, Hector stands as a reminder of the engineering ingenuity and hard work that helped build Auckland's early water supply network.