Anthonie Tonnon: the pop star operating New Zealand’s oldest public underground lift
With his slicked back Berlin-era Bowie haircut and fine wool suit, New Zealand singer-songwriter, public transport advocate and now, operator of Whanganui’s Durie Hill Elevator, Anthonie Tonnon cuts a dapper figure and looks right at home in the rich wooden interior of the 102-year-old lift.
When the operation of the elevator came up for tender this year for the first time in 50 years after being closed for three months for servicing, friends of Tonnon encouraged him to throw his hat in the ring. But with a new album Leave
