'Outrageous absurdity': Couple fears waterfront Ferris wheel will make apartment building derelict

A couple living on Auckland's waterfront say their building will become derelict if a proposed 32m-high ferris wheel and its associated infrastructure is allowed to go ahead.

Maryanne and Alan Mummery have lived in a downtown apartment building for more than 30 years and in that time have seen the wharf area transform from a carpark for used cars to the Shed 10 and The Cloud development.

Plans for a waterfront stadium have also come and gone.

"But this is the nuttiest of them all and we've had no say," Maryanne Mummery told RNZ.

They worry the Ferris wheel will destroy any sense of connection between the wharf and the downtown area.

The 32m-high ferris wheel is one of the options that the city's cultural, events, and destination agency, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, said it was exploring for activities along Quay Street Promenade this summer, as part of a wider plan to open the Central Wharves to the public.

Skyline Attractions has applied to operate the ferris wheel on the Queens Wharf Breastworks, the waterfront promenade near the Downtown Ferry Terminal.

From 10am to 10pm, the ferris wheel would carry up to 144 passengers at a time across 24 gondolas.

The proposal also included a cultural centre in co-ordination with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, ticket booths, and an ice cream cart.

In a statement, director of destination Annie Dundas said it could be up and running before Christmas, with a potential December 2026 opening date.

"However, the wheel remains subject to the necessary consents and approvals before plans can be confirmed," she said.

Dundas said the trial opening of Quay Street Promenade later this year would help to inform the longer-term planning for the wider waterfront, which was being led by the council's Auckland Urban Development Office in partnership with mana whenua.

Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck welcomed the proposal and said it would be a big drawcard for visitors and locals alike.

"It would be an absolute winner. Really would be exciting if this could be pulled off, particularly before Christmas.

"We're seeing a real opportunity for, basically, attractions, sort of, complementing the great food and other offering we have.

"We can see a growing appeal of the city centre as a leisure and entertainment destination.

"So, we'd love to see it. Absolutely love to."

Beck said the location, overlooking the Waitematā Harbour, would offer a "spectacular" view during the day and at night.

"If it was able to happen before Christmas, we've got the giant Christmas tree, Te Manaaki, that's attracting thousands of people. So, imagine having another sort of attraction very close by. Imagine New Year's Eve, being up and seeing the beautiful view."

However, the proposal has caused sleepless nights for Maryanne and Alan Mummery.

The couple say the proposed ferris wheel is metres from their bedroom and will effect the entire apartment building, as well as others around them.

"What a 30-plus years it has been. We've watched a complete reshaping of our waterfront and our much-loved port. The Hilton Hotel was built, The Cloud was built, all the wharf sheds, apart from Shed 10, were pulled down. Covid arrived. And now, in 2026, the most bizarre suggestion of all: a giant ferris wheel right opposite the living spaces of hundreds of people," Maryanne said.

"Not only did we not know about this outrageous absurdity, it simply is an untenable suggestion for a small piece of port-gifted recreational land."

She said the Council is encouraging people to move into the city but the ferris wheel will end any sense of privacy for them and their neighbours.

"You can't sit in your bed with hundreds of people, sitting, gawping at you."

Alan Mummery said the wheel is not see-through, especially when it is moving and it will bring sounds and smells with it.

The couple are particularly worried about it being lit up at night.

"How can we sleep?" Maryanne Mummery said.

The couple has called for Auckland Council to reject the proposal or move it to the northern end of the wharf.

"Please, Aucklanders, please, councillors, not only put aside this proposal, but look for a more appropriate location for a funfair activity."