Volunteers and supporters of CPlay have transformed old hardwood from the Port into special seats for Caroline Bay's new Playground in Timaru. Designed by architect John Rushton, these benches were inspired by traditional Mōkihi rafts, also offer a tangible link to Timaru's maritime past. The timber was donated by the Port of Timaru PrimePort, Milled by JMac Joinery, brackets by Humphris Engineering and constructed and installed by South Canterbury Registered Master Builders Association, and BCITO (provider of building and construction trade apprenticeships), the benches promise years of enjoyment while strengthening the connection between residents and the city's heritage.

"The gifted timber gave us the opportunity to reflect the importance of the Mokihi used in the local rivers. The 'mokihi seats are placed in an imagined braided stream reflected in the exposed aggregate concrete that links the river stone swales." - John Rushton CPlay Volunteer and Architect who gifted the design.

By Roselyn Fauth

From Left: Craig O'Keeffe, Spongy (Jmac Joinery), Rich Geary, Steven Brooks. Thank you to PrimePort, Rushton Architects, Milled by Spongey from JMac Joinery, brackets by Humphris Engineering and constructed and installed with the help from South Canterbury Registered Master Builders Association, BCITO, Craig O'Keeffe Building, and Bcito (provider of building and construction trade apprenticeships).

 

New Playground Seats Crafted from Historic Harbour Timber Enhance Caroline Bay's Maritime Theme

 

Thanks to a special collaboration of volunteers and supporters, CPlay has unveiled new seats in the Caroline Bay playground, adding a special touch of Timaru's rich maritime history to the recreational space.

The new playground championed by CPlay volunteers, received a significant boost from the Port of Timaru, who generously donated original hardwood salvaged from its original wharf. This hardwood, originally imported from Australia in the 1880s and milled from ironbark trees, now finds new life as seating shaped as boats in the Caroline Bay playground, serving as a tangible link to the city's port past.

"The gifted timber gave us the opportunity to reflect the importance of the Mōkihi used in the local rivers. The 'mokihi seats' are placed in an imagined braided stream, reflected in the exposed aggregate concrete that links the river stone swales." - John Rushton CPlay Volunteer and Architect who gifted the design.

"I love that our Mahika Kai and Port themes are linked to actual timber from Timaru's first Harbour. It's really special to sit and feel the timber and connect to its role in the port." - Roselyn Fauth, CPlay Volunteer.

Crafting the donated timber into functional seating was no small task. JMac Joinery undertook the challenging endeavor, shaping each bench according to John Rushton's vision. The installation, carried out by Master Builders and BCITO, ensures durability and minimal maintenance, promising years of enjoyment for visitors.

"We are very grateful to our community for coming together to donate their time and materials to the playground. Their generosity has helped us stretch the budget and bring something really special to the playground for our locals and visitors to enjoy." - Roselyn Fauth, CPlay Volunteer.

The collaborative effort not only revitalizes the playground but also deepens the connection between residents and the city's maritime heritage. Families gathering to play and relax on these unique seats are reminded of Timaru's pivotal role in shaping its identity as a port city.

With the installation of these new seats, Caroline Bay Playground stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and a living tribute to Timaru's enduring maritime legacy. Special thanks are extended to PrimePort, Rushton Architects, Milled by Spongey from JMac Joinery, brackets by Humphris Engineering and constructed and installed with the help from South Canterbury Registered Master Builders Association, BCITO, Craig O'Keeffe Building, and Bcito (provider of building and construction trade apprenticeships.

 

Looking over the Port of Timaru out to the first breakwater, in the foreground is the timber that has been removed from the warf. Some was donated to CPlay to construct furniture. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

The South Canterbury Registered Master Builders Association proudly donated $5000 in cash and $5000 in work in kind for the new playground at Caroline Bay in Timaru. - Photo Owen Jackson

 

The benches were transported to the playground and lifted into position by JX2 Contracting Limited. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

The South Canterbury Registered Master Builders Association helping to install the new seats at the Caroline Bay playground in Timaru. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Ready for play, benches installed in in a path symbolic of a water way. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

 

Between 1866 and 1886 28 ships were wrecked or steanded along the Timaru coastline.

• 1838: Octavius Harwood's journal mentions Timaru, noting activities at Weller Brothers' whaling station.
• 1851: William and George Rhodes found the Levels run, using Timaru's shore for shipping wool. Late 1850s to early 1860s: George Rhodes chartered vessels like the Henry for transporting goods. The Agnes and Anna loaded the first wool exports from Timaru.
• 1851: Opposition towards the establishment of Timaru Bay as a town due to concerns about anchorage safety during south-east seas.
• 1852: Arrival of the schooner Henry, marking the beginning of small-scale trade activity in Timaru.
• 1856: Establishment of the town of Timaru by the Rhodes brothers.
• 1857: Captain Cain settles in Timaru and opens a general store.
• 1859: Establishment of Le Cren's landing service, enhancing trade capabilities with Captain Henry Cain appointed superintendent to run the operation of the first landing service at the foot of Strathallan St. Beachmaster Strongwork Morrison overseeing boatmen.
• 1857: Official recognition of Timaru's potential as a shipping port by the Provincial Government.
• 1861: Timaru declared a Port of Entry. Alexander Rose became Timaru's first customs officer.
• 1864: Government takes over the landing service from private operators.

• 1864: The Timaru Herald was founded by Alfred George Horton and Ingram Shrimpton. The first issue was printed on 11 June 1864. Originally publication was weekly. The Herald was set up to promote the interests of Timaru and Gladstone districts against those of the Canterbury province to which they belonged. People in the Timaru area thought they were not getting a fair share of the revenues collected by the provincial government. Horton’s involvement in this issue is very clear; he helped promote a bill in parliament setting up the Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works. This gave Timaru more control of expenditure on public works in the area and seems to have satisfied the local desire for independence from Canterbury.

• 1864 many news articles including one that discusses Separation versus Breakwater: There is a debate about whether to push for separation from the current province or focus on building a breakwater in Timaru. Some believe that forming a new province is necessary to ensure proper allocation of revenue for local development projects like a breakwater and railway construction. 

  https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THD18641008

• 1868: Timaru becomes a borough.
• 1868: Control of the beach passes to Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works.
• 1870s: In the 1870s the Timaru Herald developed into a significant newspaper with a national reputation. This was largely due to the editor Edward Wakefield. Wakefield, the nephew of Edward Gibbon Wakefield, was an able and hard-hitting writer who was active in both local and national affairs. He was a Member of the House of Representatives in the 1870s and 1880s. As editor of the Herald he led campaigns that gained Timaru a port and waterworks.
• 1872: Bridging of the Rangitātā River at Arundel.
• 1875: Timaru Borough Council advocates for the establishment of a harbour board to better serve the port.
• 1876: 600 people meet and appoint a committee of twelve to investigate the building of a harbour breakwater. The meeting was held in the stone store that is today's Timaru Theatre Royal. The Timaru Harbour Board was constituted under the Timaru Harbour Board Act.
• 1877: The first Timaru Harbour Board is elected.
• 1878: Construction begins on the southern breakwater for Timaru's artificial harbor under the supervision of Mr. John Goodall. with 630 ton/400 cubic yards of concrete poured in situ. This original breakwater still stands today, though has been extended and modified over the years.
• 1879: The first wharf is built in Timaru.
• 1880s: Construction of the northern breakwater.
• 1882: Significant shipwrecks occurred near Caroline Bay, prompting further calls for harbour development.
• 1887: The concrete breakwater was completed, marking a milestone in Timaru's maritime infrastructure.
• 1892: Sands of Caroline Bay extending.
• 1896-1911: High growth period, linked to intensive farming in the region.
  
  
• In 1902, significant improvements in port infrastructure led to increased shipping tonnage and cargo handling capacity in Timaru.
• • 1902: Significant improvements in port infrastructure resulted in increased shipping tonnage and cargo handling capacity.
  • 1902: The ordinary revenue of the port from dues reached £19,809, supplemented by a district harbour rate of £7007.
  • 1902: William Julian Bardsley served as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Timaru Harbour Board.
  • 1902: Albert Ernest Austin served as the Engineer to the Timaru Harbour Board.
  • 1902: Captain Thomas Nicolson Clarkson served as the Harbourmaster and Pilot at Timaru.
  • 1902: Peter Sinclair worked as the foreman blacksmith at the Timaru Harbour Board's engineering works.
• 1903: Construction of a rubble mole to form an outer harbour commenced. Members of the Timaru Harbour Board included W. Evans, D. C. Turnbull, T. D. Young, A. C. Pringle, John Hole, G. Lyall, J. Manchester, J. E. Goodwin, J. Fraser, R. Skinner, and R. Thew.
  
  
• 1915: Major works were completed, establishing Timaru as a viable all-weather port capable of handling significant trade, particularly in frozen meat exports.
• 1927: Commissioning of a scheme for harbour improvement by Resident Engineer F.W. Clarke.

• 1935: Talks about harbour improvement continue, but no significant progress is made.

• 1954 article celebrating the Port being wreck free for 68 years: aorakiheritage.recollect.co.nz/3649
  On Friday, May 1st, the tragic events of "Black Sunday" were remembered as the wreck of the Benvenue was recalled. The ship had run aground, leading to significant loss of life. The Benvenue, an iron ship of around 1000 tons, encountered trouble near Caroline Bay due to stormy conditions. Despite efforts to rescue the crew, including heroic acts by volunteers, a number of lives were lost. Captain Mills and other crew members from the City of Perth were among the casualties. The wreck of the Benvenue was marked by a plate on a beacon, serving as a somber reminder of the disaster. The Duke of Sutherland, another vessel, also met a tragic fate in 1882, sinking due to a leak. Despite subsequent salvage efforts, it remained a wreck. In 1886, the Lyttelton ran into trouble due to a fouled tow rope, leading to damages claimed by insurance companies. The Elginshire, a fine steamer, also met a sad end during its maiden voyage, hitting a reef and eventually disintegrating. Additionally, the John Gambles narrowly avoided disaster near Patiti Point, and the schooner John Watson had a close call near Jack's Point in 1879. These events serve as reminders of the dangers faced by ships and the bravery of those involved in rescue efforts...
  

• 1955: Decision to build a new wharf for oil tankers and replace the aging Dredge 350.

• 1956: Regular air services between Christchurch, Timaru, and Ōamaru commence.
• 1960s-1970s: Timaru reached its peak in the export of frozen meat, with over 100,000 tonnes exported annually.

• 1963-1967: Construction of an all-weather meat loader.

• • May 24, 1964: Timaru Harbour Board accepts a tender for the installation of all-weather mechanical meat loaders on No. 1 wharf for £337,554. The contract is awarded to F. W. Mathews Ltd, of Christchurch, after careful examination of contracts from Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.
  • 1964: In the annual report, the board acknowledges the cooperation of the Southland Harbour Board in providing the services of its chief engineer, Mr. Colin Leitch, and Mr. B. W. Tierney. Mr. Tierney subsequently joins the staff of Timaru Harbour Board and becomes chief engineer.
  • February 26, 1966: The new complex is opened by Governor-General Sir Bernard Ferguson.
  • Late 1967: All four conveyors become operational.
  • The loading equipment demonstrates flexibility, allowing the loading of various goods such as meat, butter, cheese, frozen vegetables, fish, and other items with a maximum weight not exceeding 54 kg and maximum dimensions of 1370mm per carcase or carton.
  • Bananas are occasionally discharged from ships using the machinery in reverse, with hopes of restoring this trade on an occasional ship basis.
  • Approximately 60 million units have passed across the four conveyors, aiding significantly in maintaining trade against growing competition from container ports.
  • The Middle East meat trade's development sparks renewed interest in conventional refrigerated ships, leading to increased tonnages of meat passing over the loaders.
  • Maximum loading speed per loader is 2520 units per hour, while the minimum is 720 units per hour.
  • Maximum weight of carcase or carton is 54 kg, and the maximum dimension is 1370mm.

• 1962: The Timaru Harbour Board's dredge "W. H. Orbell" is commissioned from the yard of Simon Lobnitz in Renfrew, Scotland, and sails to New Zealand under her own power.
• 1964: Damaged logs from Canterbury sent through Timaru Harbour after nor'west storms, with most going to Japan.
• 1967: Bulk loading facilities are constructed on the North Mole.

• 1969: Due to the development of an export grain trade and overseas export trade in lucerne, a loan of $355,000 is obtained to build a bulk loading complex using a conveyor system on No. 2 wharf.
  • The complex is utilized for loading various materials such as wheat, barley, lucerne, sheep nuts, and bentonite.
  • Additional silos are completed on the site, increasing storage capacity for lucerne to 8,600 tonnes or 12,500 tonnes of grain in eight silos.
  • Inert gas protection is implemented for lucerne, and temperatures are monitored.
  • Loading-in rates: Road No. 1 intake at 100 tonnes per hour, rail No. 1 intake at 50 tonnes per hour, road No. 2 intake at 200 tonnes per hour, and rail wagons are discharged mechanically.
  • Loading-out rates: Maximum rates at 1,000 tonnes per hour, barley and wheat at 700 tonnes per hour, lucerne at 650 tonnes per hour, and bentonite at 600 tonnes per hour.
  • A continuous bell weigher is certified by the Department of Weights and Measures to 10.5 percent accuracy.
  • Plans are made to improve loading-out with the provision of a new conveyor ship loader to enhance flexibility and ship loading rates.

• 1972: Port Loop bridge opens
  • Official opening of Timaru's port access bridge, within the loop of the ramp. The chairman of the National Roads Board officiated, and Mayor Mr. C. R. Hervey announced the city council's favored bridge name. A commemorative plaque was later installed. Various dignitaries delivered speeches, and both invited guests and the general public attended. The Timaru Lions Club aimed to raise funds by issuing certificates for bridge crossing. After the official motorcade passed, the bridge opened to all traffic, and the official party proceeded to Caroline Bay for afternoon tea.
    
• 1975: After a storm in August, massive areas of forest flattened, leading to surplus timber needing exportation.
  • Forest Service charters two ships to carry logs to China, while Japanese buyers arrange their own shipping.
  • Future surplus timber to be exported through the port in log form or as sawn timber.
  • Forest Service initiates a planting program in South Canterbury of 400 hectares per year.
  • Timber inspection work at the port previously done by visiting officer, now necessitates a resident officer due to increased activity.
  • Large area on North Mole used for storage of logs, facilitating rapid turnover especially after the 1975 storm.
  • Forest Service runs a planting encouragement scheme for private landowners administered with grants up to $750 per hectare.
  • Responsibility of inspecting imported forest produce for harmful wood-boring insects and fungi falls on Mr. Steve Bassett, the resident timber inspector.
  • Imperative to protect New Zealand's forests from destructive insect life by prohibiting items with bark still on from entering the country.

• 1976: Decision is made to convert the "W. H. Orbell" from a bucket dredge to a trailer suction dredge at the yard of the Whangarei Engineering Co. in Whangarei.

• 1979: Joint venture company formed between Feron Sea Foods and Mair and Co. to establish a fish meal plant in Timaru. Construction begins.
• 1980: Meal plant and evaporators built in Auckland, with other machinery constructed in Timaru.
  • The offal is cooked, pressed, dried, and milled into a fine dry powder, bagged on-site for sale as additive to stock food.
  • Liquids saved from offal are processed into fish oil, stick liquor, and fish solubles, used as liquid fertilizer.
  • Joint venture company with a Japanese company called Nichiro-Feron formed, operating the vessel "Akebono 73".
  • The plant opens to the public on Port Open Day for inspection, showcasing the process and finished products.
  • Timaru Wool Dumpers Ltd. processes the majority of wool produced in South Canterbury for overseas shipment through containerization.
  • Wool is assembled, dumped, and packed, then compressed into containers for shipping via rail or road to the Timaru Harbour Board's container facility.
  • The facility will be open for public inspection on Port Open Day, displaying all machinery.
  • Timaru Fish Meal Plant, after resolving initial machinery issues, opens to the public, showcasing the process and finished products.
  • Products initially sold locally, with hopes of exporting surplus to overseas markets, mainly Australia, through the port of Timaru in the future.

• 1981: The NedLloyd vessel "Amsteldiep" sails with the largest single shipment of grain from the port, carrying 17,200 tonnes of barley for the Soviet Union.
• 1988: The Timaru District Council, owning 72% of the Port Company, expresses satisfaction with the port's response to recent challenges. Recognizing its significance in regional development, the council applauds the port's proactive approach in seeking new business opportunities. Timaru's central location makes it a vital hub for import, distribution, and export activities in the South Island. The completion of the Opuha Dam project and subsequent irrigation opportunities are expected to boost exports, underscoring the port's crucial role. Collaborating with stakeholders, the council has developed a Coastal Management Strategy to guide future planning, ensuring a cohesive approach to coastline usage, including the port area. The council reaffirms its confidence in the port's pivotal role in Timaru's and the wider region's development.
  • Fertiliser Imports: There had been a significant increase in fertiliser imports through the Port of Timaru over the past year, reflecting growing demand in the region.
  • Import Cargoes: Various consumer goods, industrial materials, cars, and steel were among the import cargoes handled by the port.
  • Log Trade: After a slowdown due to Asian market conditions, the log trade through Timaru resumed, with multiple shipments and proposals for further exports.
  • Breakbulk Exports: Timaru remained active in exporting breakbulk dairy products, especially milk powder, and saw increased shipments of vegetables like onions, potatoes, and carrots.
  • Dry Bulk Imports: Fertiliser imports quadrupled in the last twelve months, with Ravensdown moving record volumes through the port and new companies establishing storage and distribution facilities.
  • Dry Bulk Exports: Grain exports fluctuated, with a focus on higher-value grains like Canola, while woodchips exports commenced with NZ Pine Processors.
  • Liquid Bulk Imports: Domestic fuels dominated import bulk liquids, with regular imports of chemicals, food-grade liquids, and bitumen.
  • Liquid Bulk Exports: Timaru became the largest tallow export port in the country, with significant volumes shipped by Polarcold and Gardner Smith.
  • Fishing: The completion of the San Won cold store facilitated an increase in fish landings, maintaining Timaru's position as New Zealand's second-largest fishing port.
  • Coastal Shipping: Pacifica's coastal RoRo service through Timaru gained traction, achieving good loadings and becoming well-established.

• Late 20th Century: Breakwaters extended, realigned, and raised.

 - https://aorakiheritage.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/3334

- https://aorakiheritage.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/3337

 

1884 Standard survey of the Town of Timaru, Canterbury N.Z. / H. Maitland surveyor. Wellington, N.Z. Photolithographed at the General Survey Office. Sourced from LINZ. Crown Copyright reserved.'Notes Archived by the National Library of New Zealand

View of Timaru Harbour 1877. View looking north along the waterfront, with sailing ships, men beaching a boat, and a large building, probably Belford Steam Flour Mill near the waterfront, alongside other wharf or factory buildings. From a sketch books held by Hocken Library. By Fanny Wright Brunton  - https://tiaki.natlib.govt.nz/#details=ecatalogue.59362 

 

C1877 The Roadstead, Timaru, N.Z. Engraving of Timaru from the original edition of the Illustrated Australian News.Courtesy of Fauth Private Collection. - Illustrated Australian News (Melbourne, Vic. : 1876 - 1889) Wed 3 Oct 1877. Page 155 TIMARU, CANTERBURY, NEW ZEALAND..

 

A map of the works to be carried out in Timaru Harbour 1886 - Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections Map 3837

 

Sketches and plans entitled "Timaru breakwater and harbour", showing the construction of the breakwater begun in 1878 and completed in November 1886. Produced to celebrate the completion of the project. Image courtesy of the South Canterbury Museum CN 2010/153.01.

 

Breakwater, Timaru 1885. Albumen print by Walter Burton, Alfred Burton. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, purchased 1976

 

Engraving showing the Timaru Breakwater 1888. Picturesque atlas of Australasia"; The Picturesque Atlas Publishing Co.

 

The breakwater, Timaru, photographed ca 1910-1913 by William Ferrier - natlib.govt.nz/263897

 

Timaru Harbour & Breakwater, circa 1904, Canterbury, by Muir & Moodie. Purchased 1943. Te Papa (PA.000203)

 

View of the Port from the sky in 2014. Photograph by Geoff Cloake.