By Jenny Suo
Imagine a museum, glowworm cave and even black-water rafting, all under Auckland's CBD.
It's the dream of one man and it has gained support from thousands of people in just a few days’ time. But can it really happen?
When it comes to getaways in Auckland’s city centre, Albert Park has never been a secret. But for 70 years, something has been hidden underneath.
“These tunnels were built for 22,000 people as an air-raid shelter in case there was an air-raid from the Japanese in 1942,” says tunnel campaigner Bill Reid.
There are 3.5 kilometres of tunnels under Albert Park. It took 114 men just eight months to dig out.
But after the war, they were sealed with more than 8 million clay blocks to ensure the tunnels wouldn't collapse.
Mr Reid has dug out a small portion of one of the tunnels, but wants the Council to re-open the rest, beginning with just one section for a museum and walk-way.
“My life-long plan since 1986 is to get these tunnels open to the public of Auckland, tourists, and I'd like the descendants of the 114 tunnellers to talk into history.”
A Facebook page started recently has already gained support from more than 6000 people. There's also backing from an anonymous businessman who believes the tunnels can be developed into a cave for glowworms and even black-water rafting.
Auckland Council says given the historical value, there could be merit in exploring a partial opening of the tunnels for, say, a visitor centre. The Council says the next step is for Mr Reid to present his proposal to councillors and it will help him with his presentation.
“It’s just a hidden, historical event that must happen,” says Mr Reid. “It should happen. It should have happened a long time ago.”
And after more than 30 years of campaigning, he hopes the piece of wartime history won’t stay hidden for much longer.
3 News