The Architect of Kokoda

Bert Kienale, the man who made the KoKoda trail

Plot

The Kokoda story continues to have a very powerful resonance with all Australians, and Bert Kienzle's vital role is acknowledged in all the published accounts but until now no one has ever told his story. If one person 'made' the Kokoda Track, that man was Bert Kienzle. Part Samoan and German/English, born in Fiji and raised in Germany and Australia, he was managing a rubber plantation and gold mine in New Guinea at the outbreak of World War II. He surveyed and established the Track, and spent more time on it than anyone else throughout the campaign managing and organising the delivery of supplies and men along it. This is a unique account of a very special part of our history, told by his daughter-in-law with unique access to the central character, and access to all his records and photos. This is the untold story of a true Australian war hero.