Dave Goodman wants to give New Zealand's oldest trolley derby a new lease of life.
Dunedin's Manor Pl trolley derby - a 250m long, downhill, speed-fest for man and nonmotorised machine - has been an annual event since 1953.
But entries have declined since the glory days when, in 1957 for instance, a crowd of 2000 watched 92 competitors battle for supremacy on wheels.
The event started in Opoho, then moved to Dundas St before taking up residence on Manor Pl.
This year, there were about 40 entrants, trolley derby enthusiast Mr Goodman said.
He and fellow enthusiast Craig Buist want to see the event rebuilt.
‘‘I like its accessibility - it's a good thing for fathers and sons to take part in together,'' Mr Goodman said.
‘‘It takes a bit of courage to get on a trolley at the top of the hill and let it go without touching the brakes.
‘‘It's character forming.''
Mr Goodman's son Daniel won the derby's Ronnie Lane Cup about three years ago and his youngest son Hunter won the Dick Corkin Cup this year.
To begin rebuilding the trolley derby's profile, Mr Goodman wants to collate the event's history.
‘‘I want to talk to early competitors, to gather information about the people involved and collect photographs and memorabilia.
‘‘It was started by the Opoho Scouts, but there are a lot of information gaps that I'm hoping people will help fill.''
He plans to put much of the information on a dedicated Dunedin trolley derby website.
Next month, Mr Goodman hopes to visit schools to get young people interested in next year's derby.
‘‘I think several thousand people still turn out to see Nelson's trolley derby.
‘‘It would be great to have that sort of support here.''
To provide information or memorabilia about Dunedin's trolley derby history, phone Dave Goodman on (027) 609-6299 or Craig Buist on (027) 487-7729.
