The shell, which was moved to Kohikohi Park last year, has been damaged and is undergoing urgent repairs.
Aparima Community Board chairman Michael Weusten said water had got into the structure through some cracking, which then caused the paint to lift.
The board was unsure how the cracks occurred but they may have been caused by some flexing while the structure was being installed after being moved from its original site.
"The moving could have caused some stresses in the shell, but there was no stressing evident when it was installed."
But the age of the structure could also be a factor, he said.
"It has only [appeared] in a few very minor areas, so it wasn’t significant, but it was enough to be concerned [about] and something needs to be done for long-term integrity."
Council project management staff and painting contractors were preparing to start repairs once its moisture levels dropped below 4% to prevent delamination reoccurring.
Contrary to what was previously reported, the shell would be repaired on site, Mr Weusten said.
"It’s probably going to have to be enclosed on site and then steps taken to fully dry it out, seal it and then paint it.
"The delay has been purely because they’re trying to identify something that will be a long-term decent repair that won’t need continual maintenance.
Staff were looking at high-quality automotive grade paint for the repairs.
The shell had long been associated with the seaside township, greeting travellers through the town’s eastern gateway on the corner of Downing and Palmerston Sts.
The shell was privately owned until last year when the community board agreed to purchase, refurbish it and move it to a new location.
The $30,000 price included an initial deposit of $10,000 and a final payment of $20,000 for refurbishment and delivery to its new site.
By Toni McDonald
