At the lowest level of the old dam spillway, large metal spikes are visible jutting out of the water. Could these have been used to lay planks for a temporary bridge across the Wainuiomata River? After all, many photos of the spillway are taken from the opposite side, and there is evidence suggesting that smaller structures, possibly huts, once existed on that side as well. Other possibilities include: structural supports used during the dam’s construction or maintenance and they could have served as supporting scaffolding, to anchor equipment or materials during the building process.
Photographer: Lance Stewart
