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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 2, 2015 9:28:56 GMT 12
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Post by The Red Baron on Oct 2, 2015 10:13:23 GMT 12
When it beached it buckled and collapsed internally,as well as splitting open.If you dragged it back into the sea it would just have sunk.
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Post by lumpy on Oct 2, 2015 11:32:01 GMT 12
Yes , as I understand it it was deemed unsalvagable very early on ( and irrepairable if it were able to be salvaged )
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Post by Bruce on Oct 2, 2015 11:59:38 GMT 12
On TV they said it was the last surviving RNZ Navy vessel from World War 2 - I don't entirely believe that as I am sure there are a few Fairmile launches around still...
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 2, 2015 13:07:05 GMT 12
There are indeed Bruce, one of the Navy's boats is a hotel room at Waitomo next to the Bristol Freighter, and another is still afloat and was featured in a Spectrum special on Radio New Zealand National not too long back.
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Post by Ian Warren on Oct 2, 2015 13:23:55 GMT 12
Got on board the Tuhoe a couple off times when in Kaiopoi, went downstairs both times, this was the pre-build , mid 1980's - it was a serious mess back then.
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Post by thelensofhistory on Oct 2, 2015 16:23:22 GMT 12
I use to live by the other side of the river where the MV Tuhoe was stranded. I was sadden to read of the news as Kaiapoi was just starting to get back on its feet after the quakes.
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Post by FlyingKiwi on Oct 3, 2015 18:00:44 GMT 12
On TV they said it was the last surviving RNZ Navy vessel from World War 2 - I don't entirely believe that as I am sure there are a few Fairmile launches around still... There was what I think was one moored next to the Auckland Upper Harbour motorway bridge until reasonably recently, not sure if it is still there? |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 3, 2015 20:59:35 GMT 12
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Post by Bruce on Oct 3, 2015 21:57:51 GMT 12
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Post by flyinkiwi on Oct 6, 2015 8:19:50 GMT 12
On TV they said it was the last surviving RNZ Navy vessel from World War 2 - I don't entirely believe that as I am sure there are a few Fairmile launches around still... There was what I think was one moored next to the Auckland Upper Harbour motorway bridge until reasonably recently, not sure if it is still there? Not sure if it is still there. Here's a photo I took in 2009 with it in the background. |
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Post by harrysone on Oct 7, 2015 7:34:37 GMT 12
that's the Kahu I think...latest news is that the boat has been sold & moved 'north for restoration'. I remember in the early '90s Iris Moana and Ngaroma which were still operational ferries with North Shore Ferries were sold to Sri Lankan interests.
Interesting Tamil Tiger guerrillas infamously hijacked the Iris Moana in late August 1995. The Associated Press reported on September the 1st “…rebels halted the ferry off the north-eastern coast on Tuesday. That action drew two navy gunboats to the scene, which the rebels sank, leaving 21 sailors missing and presumed dead.” It was reported later that the Iris Moana was anchored some 175 miles northeast of Colombo with around 140 passengers and crew held hostage on-board. Their Captain and at least one crew-member would not be released for another two years.
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Post by flyinkiwi on Oct 7, 2015 8:49:15 GMT 12
I remember in the early '90s Iris Moana and Ngaroma which were still operational ferries with North Shore Ferries were sold to Sri Lankan interests. As a frequent visitor to Waiheke over the last 40+ years I had the pleasure of many trips on the Iris Moana, Motunui (now plying its new trade at Waitomo) and Ngaroma during the early 1980's. |
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Post by nuuumannn on Oct 8, 2015 12:52:00 GMT 12
HDML Paea at Picton a number of years ago. There used to be an HDML at the Paeroa Maritime Museum, but it is believed to be privately owned in the Coromandel somewhere. Can anyone elaborate what happened to it?   |
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Post by TS on Oct 8, 2015 13:27:43 GMT 12
The only thing I can add to this is, that last summer I was sailing around the bottom end of Waiheke Island and I noticed a grey M.L. in one of the northern bays. Maybe the one from Coromandel?
I have also seen a Black and Grey one possibly P3562 in the Hauraki Gulf but that was a few years ago now. Don't forget there is another moored off Herald Island. It is an M.L but she is in poor condition. The Fairmile that was at Herald Island has disappeared.
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Post by nuuumannn on Oct 8, 2015 13:34:39 GMT 12
Possibly, I heard it left Paeroa and went to Coromandel, but that was many years ago, so, anyone know more?
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Post by TS on Oct 8, 2015 14:05:43 GMT 12
Possibly, I heard it left Paeroa and went to Coromandel, but that was many years ago, so, anyone know more? Just searched this up. RNZN Harbour Defence Launches[edit] Sixteen Harbour Defence Motor Launches (HDMLs) purchased in the United States were commissioned between March 1943 and March 1944. The launches were 72 feet (22 m) long, displaced 54 tons and had a complement of 10. Twin Diesels generated 270 hp (200 kW) on each of two shafts for a speed of 12 knots (22 km/h). They were armed with one 20mm Oerlikons, three Vickers K machine guns and six depth charges. Pendant Reassigned (1950) Commissioned Career [6] Fate [7] Q1183 HMNZS Mako (P3551) 1943-1976 Laid up 1945. Fishery protection 1946-72. Survey 1972-76, Wellington. Sold 1976. Left RNZN 1976. Berthed at Pakuranga as launch Mako . Been refitted and in Australia (possibly Adelaide).2011 Now based in Brisbane, owner Dale Raby. Q1184 Paea (P3552) 1943-1955 Laid up 1945. Fishery protection 1946-72. Survey 1972-76 Auckland. Reserves 1975-77. Sold 12/84. In Picton 2005 being restored to wartime configuration by private owner. Purchased by Keith and Heather in 2008 and brought to Auckland. Now moored at Kauri Point in Auckland and used regularly for pleasure. Q1185 Manga (P3567) 1943-1960 Laid up 1945. Trans'd to NZ Army as Bombardier. Returned from Army 1959. Fishery protection 1960-74. Transferred to RNZNVR 1974. Converted for Survey mid-late 1970s. Sold 1982. Left RNZN 1980. Said to be at Kaipara for rebuilding. Owner bought boat ashore and bulldozed. Also owns Kuparu. Q1186 1943-1945 Laid up 1945. Dismantled by RNZN and sold 1946. Left RNZN 1948. Rebuilt as Wings Afloat. Went to Sydney 1970. Possibly then to Fiji. Q1187 Tarapunga I (P3566) 1943-1955 Laid up 1945. Lent to Auckland Coast Guard 1947-50, Reserves 1951-80, Survey 1979-83, Wellington. Sold 3/84. Left RNZN 1983. Reverted to name Tarapunga. Possibly moored Tamaki River. Now in Picton (2008) owned by Steve and Kim who live aboard at Picton Wharf (along with their cat). Destroyed in fire, March 2014 Q1188 Takapu I (P3556) 1943-1955 Laid up 1945. Reserves 1951-80. Survey 1981, Dunedin. Renamed Kahawai (II) in 1981. Sold 3/84. Left RNZN 1983. Reverted to name Takapu. Chartered out of Whakatane until 2004. Possibly Pelorus Sound 2005. Q1189 1943-1945 Laid up 1945. Sold 1946. Left RNZN 1946. Became Sea Scout vessel Alert in Dunedin . Known to be in Milford Sound 1980 on deer recovery Q1190 Parore (P3562) 1943-1967 Laid up 1945. Reserves 1951-74. Fishery protection 1974-77. Survey, Wellington. Sold 1977. Left RNZN 1976. At Evans Bay Wellington as launch Parore. Sold late 2008 from Nelson and now moored at Shakespeare Bay, Picton. Q1191 Kahawai I (P3553) 1943-1966 Laid up 1945. Fishery protection 1974-77. Survey 1972, Auckland & Dunedin. Sold 1976. Left RNZN 1976. Said to be ashore at Kopu in 1984 for refitting Q1192 Maroro (P3554) 1943-1967 Laid up 1945. Reserves 1951-80. Fishery protection 1964-72. Sold 1972. Wrecked in Fiji, 27/8/82. Left RNZN 1972. Went to Fiji as Viti 1972. Wrecked near Lautoka 1982 Q1193 Tamure (P3555) 1943-1945 Laid up 1945. Originally served with Fiji Naval Reserves to 1957 as HMS VITI. Renamed Ngapona (II) in 1958. Survey 1959-68, Auckland. Sold 3/73. Served in Fiji (RFNVR) 1955-59 Ngapona 1959- Left RNZN 1973 Sold for charter work. Sank at Tutukaka 1982. Salvaged. Rebuilt as launch Tamure 1987. Possibly at Te Atutu. Moored at Greenhithe and owned by Don, West Harbour ferry captain. Q1194 Ngapona I (P3561) 1943-1967 Laid up 1945. Survey 1948-57. Sold 1957. Wrecked near Coromandel after grounding 11/57. Grounded Coromandel 1957, broken up 1958 Q1348 Kuparu (P3563) 1943-1967 Laid up 1945. Fishery protection & Survey 1972-84, Christchurch(Lyttleton). Sold 1984. Fairly heavily rebuilt after collision with Admiralty Steps in mid 80's. Ended service 1989. Mothballed for museum but not used and sold by RNZN in 2002. Possibly now in Kaipara Harbour. On hard in house moving yard in Helensville. Boat in very, very sad state. Q1349 Haku (P3565) 1944-1964 Laid up 1945. Fishery protection 1964-72. Survey 1973, Canterbury. Sold 1982. Left RNZN on charter 1947. Became Black Watch, used for charity excursions. Reclaimed by RNZN 1952. Tamaki Tram duties. Left RNZN again 1980. Fitted with mast and ketch rig and became Black Watch again. In Auckland 2004(--- EDIT ---) This one is still moored off Bayswater Marina also visible from Harbour Bridge and at Viaduct Point.... Q1350 Koura (P3564) 1944-1967 Laid up 1945. Fishery protection & Survey 1973-84, Otago & Auckland, Museum ship 1984 at Paeroa. Left RNZN 1984. At Paeroa Historic Maritime Park as of 2006.[8][9] Q1351 1944-1945 Laid up 1945. Sold 1946. Left RNZN 1946. Became Mt Maunganui Ferry Aotearoa 1951. Became Pakatoa Is Ferry Pakatoa 1965. Beached above Whenuapai 1985. They operated as the 124th and 125th Motor Launch Flotillas, based on Auckland and Wellington respectively. They maintained anti-submarine patrols inside indicator loops. Though they were not tested by enemy action, the anti-submarine fixed defences at Wellington and Auckland attained a high degree of efficiency. [10] After the war, twelve were retained, three were sold and one was transferred to the Army. The remaining boats were refitted and re-engined with Foden diesels. These were subsequently used as fishery protection, survey and reserve training boats. All remaining boats were named and given new pendant numbers in 1950 |
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Post by nuuumannn on Oct 8, 2015 15:42:20 GMT 12
Great info, thanks, but that still leaves the current whereabouts of the Paeroa boat Koura (P3564), which wasn't as long ago as I thought according to your info. The bloke I spoke to at the Paeroa museum recently wasn't sure when exactly it left and was uncertain of where it is now. The mast of the Bathurst Class corvette HMNZS (formerly HMAS) Kiama at the Paeroa Maritime Museum.  According to a book I have, originally Takapu (P3556), which had been renamed Kahawai, not to be confused with P3553, was to go to the Paeroa museum, being nominated for disposal there in December 1982 and was to be towed in late May 1983, but was in too poor a state to be towed. Koura was sent to Paeroa instead, sailing in the company of Paea, being formally decommissioned at Ngahina overnight on 2nd/3rd March 1984. Also, Takapu was in Tauranga for rebuild between 1985 and 1987. |
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Post by TS on Oct 9, 2015 7:44:38 GMT 12
I think I have found your answer nuuuuman.
waitematawoodys.com – the #1 classic wooden boat blog
Dedicated to the study and appreciation of classic kiwi wooden boats. WW was founded upon a desire to tell the stories and a need to archive history of our classic wooden boats, the craftsman who built them & characters that owned and crewed on them. Visiting this blog is like a bunch of people in the boat club bar, there will be stuff discussed you know, stuff you know nothing about and stuff you want to know more about. That's what waitematawoodys is about – gathering stories, photos, history, reminiscences. If you want to share with us what you know about classic wooden boats, click the follow button. If you email us at waitematawoodys@gmail.com your photos, movies and tales we'll share them with a community that's growing by the day. alan houghton – waitematawoodys founder. flora mcKenzie – photo librarian, tea & other important stuff. ©2015
Posted on April 30, 2014
Screen Shot 2014-04-30 at 5.31.57 PM
HMNZS KOURA
A clip from a chat between Russell Ward & Alan H
photo ex Basil Rutherford collection
Anywhere else in the world , these ladies would be being restored & proudly on display.
Instead another one is about to be slaughtered at Paeroa or Thames on 14 May or thereabouts.
It has reached the end of a sad trot of indifferent ownership and has been given her marching orders from the Maritime Park. It is a shame because when Paeroa were given her, she was one of the better ones the Navy had.
Tarapunga died a few weeks ago. Another whose name escapes me did some impact hydrography in Milford Sound last week.
Manga is making her last sacrifice at Helensville .
These eminently useable boats are vanishing at a rate.
Paea is going strong and may be the beneficiary of Koura’s parts.
The simply lesson here is that old boats have got to be kept working. If not they just rot away.
Mystery Launch 29-09-2015
In "Launches"
This entry was posted in 1940's, Military, Tales & Yarns and tagged HDML, HNNZS Koura by Alan Houghton - waitematawoodys.com founder. Bookmark the permalink.
HDML Paea on May 1, 2014 at 1:47 pm said:
The boat down in Milford Sound will Takapu….. Mako is in Brisbane, Tamure and Haku are in Auckland along with our Paea. We’ve watched poor Koura’s decline over the years. It was sold to the current owner about 8 years ago (the same year we bought Paea) and apparently he was full of promises to the Museum about complete restoration of Koura. We have helped him with parts, that he’s not looked after (or used) and have since been broken or lost. He’s taken out the fuel tanks, cut through watertight bulkheads, used completely the wrong materials on the few things he’s repaired (construction ply and epoxy designed for concrete floors.. and will never dry)… there is rot right through the boat, and on and on it goes.. we, like many others have been saddened by her continuing decline …… as have the people from the Museum…. if they knew that he really didn’t know what he was doing.. I doubt they would have sold it to him in the first place.
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Post by nuuumannn on Oct 9, 2015 13:19:34 GMT 12
Thanks for the information and the website; sad to read the fate of that boat. I remember visiting it as a child when it first arrived at Paeroa. The website is a real gem.
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