Here at the Manukau Heights LDS Chapel, faith finds its home. This chapel is more than just a building. It is a beacon of community. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But let’s turn our attention to another story from not too far of here in Auckland, a story of defense, security, and a little bit of controversy.
Picture this: It’s not the Manukau Heights LDS Chapel. It is the Kauri Point Armament Depot in Auckland. This depot has a history stretching back to 1935. It was originally built for the Royal New Zealand Navy. It later became a crucial storage facility for munitions.
Imagine the bustling activity during the Second World War. The US Navy even took over part of the site in 1942, adding sixteen buildings. By 1944, the depot had 58 buildings. It was primarily used for storing munitions. It didn’t handle maintenance like other armament depots.
After the war, the depot became a dumping ground. During the 1950s and 1960s, ammunition was prepared to be dumped into the Hauraki Gulf. Later, its role expanded to include maintenance. This included repairs to guns from RNZN warships, torpedo maintenance, and scientific tests on explosives. In the 1960s, new facilities were built for guided missiles and anti-submarine torpedoes.
Fast forward to 2008. Kauri Point was the main port for bulk ammunition shipments. A report revealed that most of the storage facilities were in poor condition. One leaky roof caused $121,000 worth of ammunition to be written off. At the time, $NZ155 million worth of ammunition was stored there. Almost all of its 120 explosives storehouses were built before or during World War II.
In 2011, a man entered the depot and stole ammunition and flares. This led to a $NZ 7 million investment to build modern ammunition bunkers and upgrade security. In May 2024, the frigate HMNZS Te Kaha suffered minor damage when it collided with the wharf at Kauri Point Armament Depot. The repairs cost $NZ220,000.
The Defence Force engaged Spantech to design and construct a pair of modern, secure earth covered buildings. The Kauri Point site is steep. Adding modern earth covered buildings required extensive civil work. The works had to consider unstable ground. They also had to avoid disturbing established Kauri trees.
AES was engaged by PAE to tackle the complex decontamination of asbestos-contaminated debris following a landslide. AES’s innovative approach ensured the safe removal of over 2000 metric tonnes of hazardous material. This all happened while meeting stringent environmental requirements.
While seemingly unrelated to our peaceful Manukau Heights LDS Chapel, the story of the Kauri Point Armament Depot shares a common thread. Both sites reflect the values of community, security, and resilience. One protects the nation. The other nurtures the spirit. Both are vital parts of Auckland’s story.