Picture this A towering steel structure against the Auckland sky. This is the Colonial Ammunition Co Shot Tower. It wasn’t just any tower. It was a vital part of Auckland’s industrial past a silent witness to history.
The Colonial Ammunition Co Shot Tower a Category I heritage building stood proudly in Mount Eden. Built around 1916 by W Wilson and Company it answered the urgent wartime demand for ammunition. The First World War spurred its creation. The tower produced shotgun cartridges initially. Its design and purpose were fascinating.
This wasn’t just a simple tower. It was approximately 35 meters tall a steel-framed giant. It was unique. In fact it was the only remaining shot tower in New Zealand. It was also the only steel-framed shot tower in the entire Southern Hemisphere. Before its demolition there were only about ten similar towers left in the world. Its gun-shaped weathervane was a distinctive feature.
In 1953 it received a special upgrade. An illuminated steel crown was added for Queen Elizabeth’s visit to New Zealand. This shows the importance placed upon it even then. The tower’s story goes beyond its function. It represents the changing fortunes of industry and the struggles to preserve heritage.
For years the tower stood as a testament to Auckland’s industrial heritage. The surrounding buildings were demolished in 2001. Yet the tower remained standing a symbol of resilience. Public support saved it. But in 2023 sadly the tower faced its final chapter. Fear of collapse during Cyclone Gabrielle led to its demolition. However its legacy lives on. A 3D scan was made and the weathervane now resides in the Auckland Museum. The Colonial Ammunition Co Shot Tower may be gone but its story continues. It reminds us of a bygone era and the challenges of preserving history.