The boats brought the manners and skills with them

In this episode Rodney Wilson (former founding director of the New Zealand Maritime Museum, among other things) talks to Harold Kidd – lawyer, author, historian, boat restorer and educator, about New Zealand’s rich maritime tradition.

Imbued with a passion for sailing from an early age, Harold Kidd has come to promote, and massively influence the maritime history of this island nation. His meticulous knowledge and thorough research of vintage boats has seen Harold restore many outstanding vessels, including the “Jessie Logan”, write several books (such as Southern Breeze: a History of Yachting in New Zealand), regular articles and historical accounts (including for the Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand) on all things sea worthy (or soon to become so).

By recognising the importance of boats in our nation’s cultural and social history, Harold has, and continues to advocate for smart policy-making around heritage conservation, and the importance of handing on good craftsmanship to a younger generation.