Interview with Michael Higgins

Interview with Michael Higgins, born in Blenheim 1942. Describes how his father Jim (James M) and uncle Terry developed their contracting business from six-horse teams to earthmoving machines. Mentions their work opening up the Blenheim to Picton highway, at Lake Grassmere, carting the first core material for the Pukaki Dam, and work in Southland and west Otago throughout the 1950s. Describes youthful learning about machinery from his father, and how he and his brothers (John, Kevin and Peter) all joined the family firm Higgins Earthmoving Company. Refers to going to the Benmore hydro scheme in 1960 and describes machinery his father imported for Benmore and other projects. Reflects on the scale of the Benmore dam, the quality of the work and the loss of expertise when the hydro schemes were completed. Refers to moving on to the Aviemore scheme, and a period of uncertainty before the Upper Waitaki schemes began. Mentions the company moved to Twizel in 1966, just before the Ministry of Works, and having roading contracts. Discusses the progression of work on the Upper Waitaki schemes, later work on irrigation schemes, and on the Clyde High Dam project. Refers to being moved into maintenance work reluctantly. Describes the company's record of 99.2% plant availability over the whole Upper Waitaki project because of its efficient maintenance systems. Comments on the Higgins Earthmoving Company accommodation and facilities at Otematata and later at Twizel, his mother cooking for their workers, and their staff becoming part of the family.

Talks about Twizel being saved after the Upper Waitaki scheme was completed. Mentions he retired from the company in 1987 and moved to Marlborough for seven years to farm, then returned to Twizel. Refers to restoring machinery and working on the Meridian Energy Ltd archives.

Interviewer(s) - Jacqui Foley

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-015890 - OHC-015891

Quantity: 1 printed abstract(s). 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). 1.38 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5711.

Search dates: 1942 - 2006

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

Alternative form available:

Listening copies OHLCD-1519 - OHLCD-1520