‘Dawn Awakening’ — Pile driving for Maungatapu Bridge construction, 1958
Mounted silver gelatin print, photographed by Mrs Joan Hamilton, L.R.P.S.
Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Photo 21-1340
Pile driving by the Ministry of Works began in Rangataua Bay, Tauranga Moana in 1958 for the 316 metre long beam bridge between the Maungatapu and Matapihi peninsulas. This exciting and vital new link shortened the trip between Tauranga and ‘The Mount’ by many miles. Prior to this, vehicular traffic had to travel right around through Welcome Bay and Papamoa and back past Te Maunga and along the sandspit to Mauao. No wonder the Faulkner’s ferry services of the day proved so convenient and popular for townsfolk for a pedestrian trip to the beach.
Aerial photo of Tauranga Harbour with Maungatapu Bridge at centre
Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Map 21-032
Opening day in 1959 was obviously a gala occasion with many residents out in their cars, new and old, and commercial enterprises sending their trucks to participate in the parade. It looks almost like an advertisement for many of the English makes of car and trucks available.
Opening of Maungatapu Bridge, 1959
Photograph by Rendells Photo Service, Ref. 9504-8
Courtesy of John Green
Two Bedfords, a truck (C F Washer and Sons) and a Shell fuel tanker, a Leyland Beaver (Heatons No. 12), Morris Minors, Austin A40s, Humbers, Hillmans, Standards, Volkswagens, Vanguards – affectionately known as ‘mudguards’ – Vauxhalls, Zephyrs, etc.
A closer look at those lovely old vehicles
Local logging and roading contractor Alf Walling leads the truck parade in his 1953 Ford Thorton followed by an Andersen’s Transport Bedford or Commer stock truck. Maungatapu Marae is clearly seen in the background. Just as an aside, I did not know until a few years back that to purchase a new car in New Zealand one had to have overseas funds right up until 1972.
Parade of cars on Maungatapu Bridge, 1959
Colour positive transparency photographed by David Allan Murdoch
Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Photo 06-468
Acknowledgments and Sources
Leslie Goodliffe — Information Access
Specialist, Tauranga City Libraries
John Green — Transport buff
Pae Korokī — Tauranga Archives online
Rendells Photos Service image 9504-8 purchased on TradeMe June 2025
