Here at One Network Wellington Live, we’re thrilled to share a special story with you. Wellington’s highest point, Mt Kaukau, also known as Tarikākā, celebrates a big milestone in 2025. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the television tower’s completion atop the hill. Standing tall over the city, this iconic structure has watched over Wellington for decades. So, we ask you, our readers, have you ever ventured up there? If not, now’s the perfect time to learn about its history and plan a trip. The views are stunning, and the story behind the tower is just as impressive.

Mt Kaukau sits proudly in Wellington’s northern suburbs, near Johnsonville, Khandallah, and Ngaio. The hill itself reaches 445 metres above sea level, making it the highest natural point in the region. However, the television tower adds even more height. When it was finished in 1965, the tower stood at 122 metres tall, though it’s slightly shorter today. In 2022, workers removed 18 metres from the top because analogue TV signals no longer needed the extra height. Even so, the tower remains a striking feature against the skyline. On a clear day, you can see the city, the harbour, and even the distant Kaikōura Ranges from the summit. It’s no wonder locals love this spot.

The story of the tower begins in the early 1960s. Back then, television was still new in New Zealand. Only a few thousand people could watch it, mostly in big cities like Auckland. The government wanted everyone to enjoy TV, so they launched a plan to build a national network. Mt Kaukau became a key part of this dream. Before the tower, Wellington’s TV signals came from a smaller transmitter on Mt Victoria. That old setup couldn’t reach far enough. So, in 1965, the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation, or NZBC, decided to build something bigger and better. They chose Mt Kaukau because of its height and location. Signals from there could travel across the whole Wellington region with the help of smaller repeater stations.

Now, let’s talk about who built this impressive tower. The job went to the Furukawa Electric Company, a Japanese firm with expertise in big projects. At the time, New Zealand didn’t have many people skilled enough to construct such a tall structure. Television technology was so new that local workers lacked the know-how. So, the NZBC brought in international help. Japanese workers arrived in Wellington, ready to tackle the challenge. Alongside them, a few Italian crews also worked on similar towers elsewhere in the country. For Mt Kaukau, though, it was the Japanese team that took charge. They started early each day, often at dawn, and didn’t stop until dusk. Amazingly, they even ate their lunches high up on the tower. Their hard work paid off, and the tower was finished in just seven months.

The construction wasn’t easy, mind you. The tower stands 100 metres tall today, but its original height of 122 metres made it a giant for its time. It’s a steel lattice design, strong enough to handle Wellington’s famous winds. Each of the four legs rests on a massive foundation. Workers poured around 250 tonnes of concrete into each base to keep the tower steady. That’s a lot of concrete! The site itself sits nearly half a kilometre above sea level, adding to the challenge. The Japanese crew had to haul materials up the hill and work in tough conditions. Yet, their dedication shone through. Locals still tell stories about their incredible work ethic. One worker, Dave Hughes, who later joined Kordia, remembered how the team rarely came down during the day. They were determined to get the job done.

When the tower was officially opened in February 1967, it changed everything. Signals from Mt Kaukau reached far beyond the city. Suddenly, people in rural areas could tune in too. By the end of the 1960s, nearly 90% of New Zealanders had access to TV, up from just a few thousand earlier that decade. The tower didn’t just broadcast television, though. It also carried FM radio and other services. Over the years, it became a lifeline for emergency communications too. Today, it still sends out free-to-air digital TV signals across Wellington. The NZBC, which started it all, eventually split into different groups like TVNZ, RNZ, and Kordia. Kordia now owns and maintains the tower, keeping it in top shape.

Speaking of maintenance, the tower has seen some updates. In 2022, Kordia removed that 18-metre section from the top. Analogue TV stopped in 2013, so the extra height wasn’t needed anymore. They also replaced old bolts and gave the structure a fresh coat of paint. These efforts ensure the tower will stand strong for years to come. Back in the 1960s, a team of at least ten people worked shifts to keep the site running 24/7. Now, technology has made things easier, but the tower’s importance hasn’t faded. It’s a symbol of Wellington’s growth and a reminder of how far we’ve come.

Historically, Mt Kaukau has always been special. Long before the tower, Māori called it Tarikākā, meaning “where the parrots rested.” The area was once thick with native forest, home to kākā parrots. Sadly, much of that forest was cleared over time. Today, though, the kākā are making a comeback, thanks to places like Zealandia. The name Tarikākā lives on in a nearby settlement in Ngaio. The tower’s arrival in 1965 marked a new chapter for the hill. It became more than just a scenic spot—it turned into a hub of modern life. Hikers still flock to the summit, drawn by the views and the chance to stand beside this piece of history.

So, what’s the tower like today? It’s still busy, broadcasting digital TV and radio signals. The UHF TV antennas sit 93 metres up, while the FM radio ones are at 65 metres. It’s a vital link for the city, even as streaming services grow. Kordia takes pride in its role, celebrating 60 years of service in 2025. The anniversary isn’t just about the tower, though. It’s about the people who built it, the community it serves, and the hill it calls home. For Wellingtonians, Mt Kaukau is more than a landmark. It’s a place to connect with nature and history all at once.

If you’ve never climbed Mt Kaukau, why not give it a go? The walk takes about an hour from places like Simla Crescent in Khandallah. You’ll pass through Khandallah Park, one of New Zealand’s oldest parks, set up in 1888. The trails are well-kept, and the summit offers benches for a rest. On the way, you might spot native birds like tūī or kererū. The tower looms above, a quiet giant against the sky. Once you’re up there, the view will take your breath away. You can see the whole city spread out below, with the harbour sparkling in the sun. On a good day, the South Island peaks peek over the horizon.

For those who’ve already been, we’d love to hear your stories. Have you ventured up Mt Kaukau? Did you go with friends or family? Maybe you joined the Kaukau Challenge, a fun run organised by Khandallah School since 2006. Around 500 people take part each year, racing to the top and back. It’s a great way to enjoy the hill and support the community. Whatever your experience, this 60th anniversary is a chance to celebrate. The tower has stood for six decades, thanks to the Japanese workers who built it and the teams who keep it going.

Here at One Network Wellington Live, we’re excited to mark this milestone with you. Mt Kaukau’s television tower isn’t just a structure—it’s a piece of our city’s heart. From its early days with the Furukawa Electric Company to its role today, it’s a story of progress and pride. So, grab your walking shoes and head up there. Stand at Wellington’s highest point, look out over the land, and imagine the Japanese crew eating lunch 100 metres above the ground. It’s a tale worth celebrating, and the view’s not bad either. Happy 60th, Mt Kaukau!