4. It wasn’t always loved…
The Carter Fountain was initially controversial, with people writing to newspapers in 'horror', with one person regarding it 'as a bauble to please a child while at the same time disfiguring the serenity of the sea and sky'. However, it quickly found favour with the people of Wellington city with frequent requests for it to be turned on at all times, with one person asking so that they could impress their friends visiting for lunch.
5. It contributes to the city’s art and culture scene
Originally lit by halogen lamps with coloured gels, the Carter Fountain has always delighted with its lighting displays. In 2014 LED lights were introduced enabling a wider range of programable colour options. The Performance Arcade has taken the fountain to new heights with projections of ballerinas, swimmers and local taniwha Ngake and Whātaitai in the mist of the spray. For the 2022 festival people could project their own faces high above the fountain through the artwork Into the Light created by Amber Strain.