Flooding sees Auckland cathedral concert cancelled

by NZ CATHOLIC staff
AUCKLAND — A concert in St Patrick’s Cathedral on May 17 had to be cancelled at the last minute after nearby Liston Hall was flooded with water that could have been contaminated.
Students from St Peter’s College and St Mary’s College in Auckland had some items in the hall, when the flooding happened.
A concert featuring soloists, choirs and orchestras from both schools was to have been followed by a retiring collection to raise funds for the cathedral.
On May 17, a stormwater pipe in Hobson St was blocked by tree roots and, following heavy rain, water came up through a toilet system in Liston Hall, NZ Catholic understands.
The site was decontaminated by contractors working on May 17 and 18.
St Peter’s College director of music Antun Poljanich said he knew of one musical instrument, a flute, belonging to a boy that had to be decontaminated and have parts replaced.
Students were also seeking replacement school diaries at the school stationary shop on the following Monday.
It is understood some school bags belonging to St Mary’s College students may also have been affected. The flooding is believed to have occurred after the final practice session before the concert.
Mr Poljanich said the boys were disappointed at the cancellation as they really wanted to be at the cathedral and play for people.
“They are very passionate about it, it is a big thing,” he said.
He hopes the concert can be rescheduled. A lot of the St Peter’s students are involved in the school musical production starting in June.
The insurance situation was unclear, but NZ Catholic has heard it could be up to private policies.

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