Ask to use material, get more information or tell us about an item
A documentary looking at the history of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Opened on May 30th 1959 the 1,150 metre long Auckland Harbour Bridge is something of a national landmark. Spectrum takes a look at its history and the people who worked on it. [Includes RNZ Sound Archive material].
Opening ceremony 1959, the Rt. Hon. Walter Nash Prime Minister is introduced and begins speaking, before being interrupted by a dog barking. Brian Smith, the original engineer with Freeman, Fox and Partners speaks about being brought back to oversee the 1966 clip-ons to the bridge.
Roy Myers worked on the original excavation supervising the 'sinkers', men who worked on the harbour floor. He describes the difficulties digging underwater, decompression needed by workers and the danger of getting the bends which saw some taken ill in the street. One of the deepest jobs he had worked on could take smoko breaks underwater.
Toll booth workers and bridge control officers, Laurie and Dave Wood recall incidents with motorists, fumes, dirt and the problems of maintenance. Gary Cooper works with [SERCO] on traffic safety and flow concerns on the bridge. Maintenance and security man, Dave Morris describes what nocturnal activity occurs under the bridge.
Coating Inspector Errol explains how he manages and maintains the silver grey colour paint work as part of quality control. Jerome accompanies nightshift worker, BCO Dave Good, as he assists a routine breakdown.
Retired engineer Brian Smith closes the programme with his thoughts about the bridge.