Naki Rocks

A story of Quarrying up the York Road, the people who dug the rock out, and the rock carvers who used some of it in the Sone Symposiums along the New Plymouth foreshore.

The first quarry up York Road was started at the turn of the century, a lot of Rock was dug out for a few years and used in various parts of the North Island. Later it turned out to be unsuitable as it was too soft and would turn to dust.  The Video tells the story of the old workings, the railway, and what still remains of the quarry which is viewable if you take a walk along the loop track which is accessible at the top of York Road.

Much later quarrying was recommenced on York Road, but this time a lot further down. Russel Vickers created the workings and told how it happened, what they are doing to rehabilitate the land after it has been quarried, and he also talks about some of the landmarks that have been created using stone dug from the quarry.

The film then shifts to Vickers Quarrys’ 50^th Anniversary celebration – it was a grand occasion and an opportunity for Russel to share his vision, and for others to share what Russel has done for the community. You may see one or two people who are no longer with us including the Quarry founder Russell who passed away in August 2020.

Russel was also a great supporter of the regular “Stone Symposiums” held in New Plymouth. The video looks in depth at the one held in 2016 talking with the stone carvers and viewing the amazing creations that were produced at that time.

30:00                                                                                                            3/4/25

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