Little mysteries

It’s quite interesting how much variation can be found in historical records when it comes to simple facts. For example:

Awanui Radio VLA, circa 1919
Awanui Radio VLA, circa 1919. Photo: Northwood Brothers
Height of the original mast at Awarua and Awanui Radio


Awarua Radio tower, presumably in 1913
Awarua Radio tower, presumably in 1913. Photo courtesy Alex Glennie
Width of each face of the original mast at Awarua and Awanui Radio

  • 9 ft (most often quoted)
  • 8 ft (audio interview with Bill Walker, the last engineer at Awanui Radio and the man who dropped the tower in 1930)


Awanui tower base, possibly 1919
Awanui tower base, possibly 1919. Courtesy: Te Ahu Museum
Weight of the original mast at Awarua and Awanui Radio


One of three concrete  anchor blacks for the Awanui tower guys
One of three concrete anchor blacks for the Awanui tower guys. Courtesy: Te Ahu Museum
Weight of the anchor blocks at Awarua and Awanui Radio


A rigger paints one of the upper guys, photographed from the attachment point for the lower guys
A rigger paints one of the upper guys, photographed from the attachment point for the lower guys
Attachment point on mast for the lower guys

  • 150 ft level
  • 160 ft level