Tag Archives: Waima

Waima

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WAIMA

Over the long weekend Jason Prew was crisscrossing the middle of the north side burning up fossil fuel, one of the rest stops was the Motuoapa Marina at Lake Taupo. While stretching his legs Jason spotted the launch – Waima, docked at the marina.

A quick WW search reveals no mention of her, so hopefully one of the Drake Bros. will chip in with some details 🙂

INPUT EX PAUL DRAKE WAIMA arrived at Taupo more than 60 years ago in the 1950’s, when she was called WAIMEA and owned by Lloyd Cotton. She is said to have been built by Lanes, maybe in the 1930’s? All planking is full length (kauri) and she is 28′ by 8′ 6″. She had a Chrysler Crown back in the day. She has had a succession of owners over the years but has remained a Taupo boat. She has a lovely powerful hull and deserves a decent top hamper. Present owner unknown, but WAIMA has been neglected in recent times. No doubt her time will come again.

Photo below c.1988 shows her more or less as built – back as far as the dodger anyway.

MORE INPUT from Paul Drake – WAIMA below – perhaps 8 years ago and in great condition.

Wooden Boats On The Hokianga – Waima and Spray

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WAIMA

SPRAY

Wooden Boats On The Hokianga – Waima and Spray


I received today’s photos recently from Ngaire Slade, her father was Dick (Henry Richards) Slade. Ngaire commented that she wished that she had learnt more of the histories of the boats that had been the main transport modes in the Hokianga. The Waima was a boat that Dick owned until sold in the 1980s and retired. Waima then went over to the East Coast and Ngaire understands it was left for years in the Manukau Harbour till removed and left to decay and disrepair, unfortunately placed in a yard somewhere unknown. It was originally brought from the Subritzky family. 

Dick for many years carried the college kids to Rawene High School and did the Cream Run as well before the Dairy was closed. He also carried out the Mail Run on the Hokianga Harbour. In those days, the boats could reach the Mungamuka bridge and up to the Taheke bridge. In the last photo of Waima we see Harry Slade father of Dick and grandad to Ngaire taking a car from Kohukohu to Rawene.


The 2nd set of photos – we see the launch – Spray, owned by Harry Slade. Ngaire mentioned that there was a Sierra and Tupuwai that were other prominent boats in her family. In some of the photos we see a pet seal that mooched around for several years. In one photo the seal is watching Harry as he is cleaning some launches. Ngaire commented the seal wasn’t the friendliest and would try and bite the odd person who he disliked. She remembers her father saying he was a foul rascal as he dirtied the boat all the time.

Below we see Dick scratching Opo the dolphin with a mop, she would follow him out to the heads when he would go fishing and come up to Rawene. 

Mystery Launch – could the below be Sierra or Tupuwai?