A "bloody rad" plaque was unveiled at the top of Baldwin St yesterday, recognising Dunedin surveyor Toby Stoff’s campaign to reclaim the world record.
In July 2019, Guinness World Records announced the street had been dethroned by Ffordd Pen Llech in Harlech, Wales.
However, in April 2020, after months of work by Mr Stoff — including a trip to Wales to measure the rival street — the decision was overturned.
Mr Stoff said Baldwin St’s snub had been a disappointment for the city.
"It’s the one thing I thought ‘well, it’s something I’ve actually got knowledge about’."
Mr Stoff and some fellow surveyors had snuck into Harlech undercover to gather their own data — posing first as antique dealers and then, when the surveying equipment came out, as workers from the local council.
He estimated hundreds of hours had been spent on the project and he was touched by the plaque, which was "bloody rad".
"Anytime there’s an international incident that needs somebody with no filter and questionable social skills — I’m your guy."
"It is nice for them to know that it is actually the legit, recognised steepest street.
The plaque had been organised by "The Class of ’92" — Mr Stoff’s former classmates, all of whom had who studied for a bachelor of surveying at Otago University and had helped Mr Stoff get to Wales.
Former classmate Dave Mitchell, now living in Vietnam, had found himself at the top of Baldwin St earlier this year and was disappointed to see there was nothing to acknowledge Mr Stoff’s work.
"[We] felt it was the right thing to do."
