A number of central city streets are closed today while scaffolding materials are helicoptered to the top of the Auckland Council headquarters in Albert St.
Several streets round the building were closed at 5am and due to be reopened at 5pm.
Up to 70 helicopter lifts are taking place from 9am.
Closures include Wellesley Street from Albert to Hobson Streets, one lane closure outside the Council building on Albert Street and restricted access to parts of Federal Street.
A council spokeswoman said neighbours, including church leaders at nearby St Matthews in the City, were consulted about the work.
The council's Albert St base faces an unknown repair bill to replace some of its external cladding.
The scaffolding is for the top six storeys of the former ASB tower.
The most efficient way to move materials to the top of the building was by helicopter, the spokeswoman said.