Alec Aitken started work in the Public Works Department in 1938. When World War II intervened he joined the RNZAF as a flight mechanic, serving two tours of duty in the Pacific.
In 1950 he completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) at Auckland University College. His first engineering role was with the Ministry of Works, constructing the rail line from Putaruru to Kinleith.
He then spent time in Wellington, before moving to Mangakino where he spent eight years on the Waikato hydro construction. Two years in Rotorua followed. Alec was then appointed Resident Engineer in Whangarei, before returning to Wellington in 1967 as District Civil Engineer for the Ministry of Works, focussing on motorways and the Rongotai Airport extension.
In 1973 he moved to Auckland as District Commissioner of Works and saw the Southern Motorway connected into the city and through to the Harbour Bridge plus the start of the connection from the city to the Northwestern Motorway.
Alec retired in 1981.
Access
This oral history is held at the Alexander Turnbull Library OHInt-0965-03
Date of Interview: 2007
