New Zealand masts facts for kids
New Zealand has many different kinds of masts and towers. They range from small flagpoles to very tall structures that send out radio signals. The tallest mast ever built in New Zealand was in Titahi Bay. When it was first built, it was the tallest structure in the entire Southern Hemisphere! Later, it became the tallest in New Zealand, and then the Sky Tower in Auckland became even taller.
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New Zealand's Tallest Structures
New Zealand is home to some very tall structures. These include famous landmarks and important communication towers.
The Sky Tower
The Sky Tower in Auckland is the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere. It stands at an amazing 328 metres (1,076 ft) (about 1,076 feet) from the ground to the very top of its mast. It's a popular spot for tourists and offers incredible views of Auckland city.
Titahi Bay Radio Mast
New Zealand's second tallest structure is the radio mast at the Titahi Bay Transmitter. This tower is 212 metres (696 ft) (about 696 feet) tall. It is owned by Radio New Zealand. This mast is a 'guyed support' type, which means it's held up by strong cables called 'guy wires' that are anchored to the ground.
The Titahi Bay mast broadcasts AM radio signals on 567 kHz with 50 kilowatts of power. Radio antennas for AM signals need to be very tall. This is because their height depends on the length of the radio waves they send out. Longer waves need taller antennas.
Early Television Masts
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, many 120-metre (390 ft) (about 394 feet) television masts were built across New Zealand. These were placed in important locations like Waiatarua and Christchurch. These masts were made of strong steel and could stand on their own. Staff from the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation (NZBC) often worked at these sites. Sometimes, these masts also helped with VHF and marine radio services for the New Zealand Post Office (NZPO). Their main job was to broadcast VHF television signals.
Microwave Communication Towers
From the mid-1950s, the New Zealand Post Office (now Telecom New Zealand) also built many steel towers for microwave links. These towers varied in height, from 10–30 metres (33–98 ft) (about 33 to 98 feet). They formed a 'backbone' network, sending important communication signals across the country.
These networks connected many cities:
- An early network linked Hamilton to Palmerston North through New Plymouth.
- Later networks connected Whangarei to Auckland (via Waiatarua) and then to the Warkworth satellite station.
- Another network went from Hamilton to Palmerston North through Rotorua, Taupo, and Napier, with a branch to Tauranga from Kaimai station.
- A southern network connected Wellington to Dunedin across the Cook Strait.
Other Radio Masts
Many other free-standing wooden or steel masts, about 30-metre (98 ft) (about 98 feet) tall, are used for other radio services. These include commercial radio stations and important infrastructure services that use VHF and UHF frequencies.
Key Locations with Masts and Towers
- Mount Cargill
- Mount Kaukau
- Titahi Bay
History of the Titahi Bay Mast
The antenna mast at Titahi Bay has a long history. It currently broadcasts the Radio New Zealand National programme. In the past, this radio station was known by the call-sign 2YA.
Gallery
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Sky Tower
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Titahi Bay Antenna Mast
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Titahi Bay Antenna Mast
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Sky Tower
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Microwave Tower Wellington
