NEW ZEALAND LIGHTHOUSES

 

 

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Portland Island (1877)

Photo courtesy of MSA.

  

The original wooden lighthouse at Portland Island is now situated in the town centre of Wairoa.

Designed by Marine Engineer, John Blackett and operated from 1877 (plaque) 1878 (Leading Lights) the wooden tower was on Portland Island off the Mahia Peninsula. When it was noted the structure was rotting a new light on a steel tower was built in 1955 (Leading Lights) and the old light decommissioned in 1958 (Plaque).

Portland Island was the last light to use kerosene and a clockwork mechanism.

The old lighthouse was moved to Wairoa in 1961.

Note: I have found conflicting dates in the history of this lighthouse. Sources are in brackets.

 

DIRECTIONS:

Located on Marine Parade in Wairoa. 

 

Island North
Province Eastland
Location Original tower in Wairoa
Number K3970
Date Commissioned 1877 (1878) 
Date Decommissioned 1958 (1955) ????
Automated 1982
Latitude 39° 18' South
Longitude 177° 52' South
Elevation Above Sea Level 97m
Height 8.5m          8 m*
Character Flashes white, red, green in sectors every 15 seconds*
Range 8 beams up to 50km    9 N. miles*
Made
Construction Wooden (Kauri)    White square tower*
Converted Kerosene To Diesel
Converted Diesel To Mains Electricity
Wattage
Present Tower Not original
Authority Owned and operated by Maritime Safety Authority
Date Visited 25 January, 2000
 

*  Present tower.

 

Head Keeper From To

 

     
     
     

 

Assistant Keeper (1st) From To

 

     
     
     

 

 

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Text and photographs. Copyright © 1999-2005 Mark Phillips. All rights reserved.