The Challenge of Just One Lift

 

We all know what it is like to wait for a lift

And this is going to happen a lot while we are down to just one elevator.  While Aoraki are still full-on with finishing off the great Project, workers are using the lift, too, so during working hours everyone will have to be extra-patient.

What I recommend is that if you have a spare chair in your apartment, put it in the lift lobby for your level, so those who are waiting can have a quiet sitdown. Do NOT put chairs anywhere in the fire stairs, as they must be kept clear for emergencies.  If you feel fit enough to climb the stairs, but tire halfway through, go into the nearest lift lobby, and push the lift button.  You might well find that the elevator comes more quickly when you are partway up the building.

And definitely do not try climbing the stairs unless you feel absolutely up to it.

I also recommend (again) carrying your phone when you use the lift.  If it happens to break down, you have a means of communication.  The alarm button works, but it is nice to be able to phone Brigid, and also fill in the time by talking to friends.  Or doom-scrolling, which is all the fashion these days.

Elevator progress

You will have seen the Otis team at work already.  Additionally, Aoraki workers have been putting up hoardings over the entrances to the redundant lift.  This is for your safety, as it would be alarming for all if you fell into the void. Many hoardings have hinges for worker access, and are bolted and padlocked, again for your safety.

Parts are arriving already for replacement of the first elevator, and are being stored in the garage that is closest to the back steps.  Once the hoist has gone, this will make it easy for the Otis team to get parts through the back door into the ground floor of the building.

Parking

Until the end of the month, the four visitor carparks will be in great demand.  During working hours they are critical for the movement of workers and tradies, so if you use them, do it as briefly and as considerately as possible.  Once Aoraki have cleared the worksite, all resident parking will be available, plus all the visitor carparking, except for the space where Aoraki will keep a portable office, for use while they assist with the elevator removal and replacement.

Autumn is here

Enjoy the bottom garden while you can.  As you already know, daylight saving stops the first Sunday of April.  The clocks go back (they fall in the Fall and spring in the Spring), and so the evenings will be darker.  The Fire Service recommends that you use the same time to check your smoke alarms, something we do not have to do, with our swish new system, which is working well.  And take no notice of the weather warning of a snowstorm for Wellington today.  It's April Fools Day!