Interview with Don Worrall

Interview with Don Worrall born 1938 in Auckland. Discusses the establishment of W.H. Worrall & Co. Ltd. in Auckland by his grandfather W.H. Worrall in the 1900s, and his father Aylmer "Spider" Worrall starting the bicycle importing side of the business. Mentions the bicycle industry boom of the 1950s and 1960s. Describes how they were the first business to get the Japanese to make them bicyles with English specifications, and how the anti-Japanese feelings after the war made them move the market to Taiwan and now China. Talks about how he became involved in the family business and the changes to the bicycle industry since then. Discusses various aspects of the industry in particular the government restrictions on licensing, tariffs and importing. Mentions the the change in the quality of parts since the 1970s, other bicycle importers including A. G. Healing, the change to recreational mountain biking in the 1980s and 1990s, how cycle racing kept the business running during the lean periods, taking on specialised agencies, and the impact of triatholons and internet sales on the bicycle industry.

Interviewer(s) - Simon Kennett

Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4166.

Search dates: 1938 - 2003

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.

Alternative form available: Printed and digital versions of the abstract available