Tag Archives: Kapiti Island

CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – NGATEA

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CLASSIC WOODEN LAUNCH – NGATEA

WW was contacted earlier in the week by Bob and Lea advising they were the ’new-ish’ owner of NGATEA, the 1909 built 31’ carvel kauri planked launch.

Her builder is unknown but there has been speculation that she might be by Collings & Bell.Built for the Works Department (which helps the C&B story, as they did a lot of work for the Works Dept and the Navy) for use on the Hauraki drainage scheme

Currently powered by a Yanmar 3cyl diesel 30vhp. 

Approximate owner dates – Lands and Survey Dept from 1909 > c.1923. Kapiti Island rangers boat for nearly half a century 1923 > 1973. R Saunders 1973 > 2008. Alan Codyre 2008 > 2026. And now Bob and Lea.  While operating as the Kapiti Island rangers boat she was used for mail and supply runs, and also for sea rescues up as far as Whanganui. Reg Saunders purchased her after she broke her mooring at Kapiti Island and was grounded suffering damage to its stern. Reg faithfully rebuilt her, which is probably why she remains in such great condition to this day,

Bob is yet to discover whether the cabin was modified at that time. Bob has given NGATEA a topsides repaint over the past 7 weeks while on the slip.                                                              

While NGATEA currently remains on her mooring in Ivey Bay, Wellington, later this year she will move to the Marlborough Sounds and be housed there.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE CLASSIC LAUNCH – NGATEA

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WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE CLASSIC LAUNCH – NGATEA

Recently WW was contacted by Jeff Giddens concerning the launch NGATEA – best if I let Jeff tell the story

“Have attached a few photos of my good friend Alan’s boat – Ngatea.History……builder unknown apparently. Rumour has it, way back in the day she may have been some sort of mail boat to Kapiti Island. Ngatea is over 100 years old and was owned for a long time by well known boat builder Reg Saunders of Paremata. She was his pride and joy.

For the last 15 or so years she has been owned by another well-known Paremata identity, and ex fisherman Alan Codyre.    As much as she needs a good clean up and TLC in her paint work, she is in outstanding condition for her age.We recently removed the old Perkins and refitted her with a wee Yanmar diesel.  It would be great if anyone out there knows more about her history and where she was built and by whom.She is currently on a swing mooring in Ivy Bay Paremata.”

So woodyscan we help Jeff and Alan out and fill in the gaps re NGATEA’s back story.