Interview with George Grindley

Interview with George Grindley, born in Dunedin in 1925. Outlines his family background in Otago including gold mining. Comments on his schooling, studying science and the importance of education in the family. Discusses attending the Otago School of Mines, and mentions field trips and holiday jobs at mines. Talks about getting a job with the Geological Survey in Auckland, and returning to university to complete a masters degree researching the geology of the Eglinton Valley. Discusses working on the West Coast where he became assistant to Harold Wellman and worked with others on the displacement of the Alpine Fault. Refers to having a year's leave in 1951, his departure being hindered by the waterfront strike, and working in south Wales and Canada as well as visiting Europe. Mentions northern hemisphere plate tectonics. Discusses his work on geological mapping in New Zealand and his geothermal work including being site geologist at Wairakei. Comments on the cooperation between government and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) in the Wairakei project, and on the future of geothermal power in New Zealand. Mentions his involvement with geothermal power developments in the Philippines, Mexico and elsewhere.

Discusses going to Antarctica in geological survey teams [in 1961-62, 1977-78 and 1981-82] doing geological mapping and paleomagnetic surveys, the equipment available at the time, and working for three months in the polar high area with dog teams. Mentions the Gondwana hyphothesis. Refers to a major discovery of fossils in Marie Byrd Land in 1977. Comments on Scott Base and on the well-equipped Americans in Antarctica. Mentions his field trips in China and Southeast Asia. Talks about administrative work in the DSIR, and the Geological Survey's structure. Discusses his publications, the globalisation of science, and international conferences on tectonics, vulcanology and geology he has attended. Mentions geothermal monitoring of Ruapehu, Mt St Helens and active volcanic areas elsewhere. Comments on monitoring rifting in the Taupo Volcanic Zone.

Discusses the disadvantage of specialisation for scientists leaving them vulnerable to funding changes. Talks about the effects of 'Rogernomics' and people who lost their jobs. Comments on the end of the DSIR, asset transfers, and subsequent restructuring. Reflects that scientists should run science but they can have a communication problem. Mentions the importance of the media, popularisation of science, and public understanding of science topics such as climate change and plate tectonics. Outlines advice he would give to a young scientist in New Zealand and good qualities in scientists.

Interviewer(s) - Julene Marr

Accompanying material - photocopy of an article "Retirement of George Grindley" from Newsletter, Geological Society of New Zealand, no. 76, June 1987

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-023144 - OHC-023152

Quantity: 8 C60 cassette(s). 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s) (handwritten). 1 interview(s). 8.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-7602.

Eight colour photographs of George Grindley and his study; colour photograph of a photograph of a dog sled in Antarctica (with abstract)

Search dates: 1925 - 1947 - 2005 - 1987

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies available