Public consultation has opened on the lighting of the historic Cave Rock mast in Sumner, following concerns from some residents about brightness, configuration and frequency.

The lights, installed on the former signal station mast in December 2021, are currently programmed to turn on at dusk and switch off at 11pm daily, except during Matariki or when specific requests are made to turn them off temporarily.

Now, the Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board is asking the public to share their views on how the lights should be managed.

The Board said it wants to understand the level of community support for the current lighting frequency and whether changes to the operating hours are needed.

The mast has a long history in the area.

It was first erected in 1864 to help guide coastal ships entering or leaving the Avon Heathcote Estuary, using black, ball-shaped markers to indicate bar conditions.

It was first lit in May 1937 to mark the coronation of King George VI, with more than 500 bulbs illuminated across the mast, foreshore and pier.

It became a tradition to light the mast during Easter, Anzac Day, Christmas and significant national events, including VE Day and the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

In 1961, the Sumner Lifeboat Institute took over the signal station for lifeboat control and used the lights intermittently for over three decades.

After suffering damage in the Christchurch earthquakes, the signal house was repaired in 2016.

A deed was signed in 2020 between the Council and the Breakfree Foundation, allowing the community group to install and operate solar-powered lights, which went live in 2021 following a community fundraising effort.

Public submissions close on Wednesday 28 May 2025.

You can make a submission here

https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/MastLights