NEW ZEALAND LIGHTHOUSES

Waipapa (1884)

Postcard (date unknown) courtesy John Elsbury   http://www.nzpostcard.co.nz/

Waipapa Point lighthouse, ca 1950s

Reference Number: 1/4-018157

Photographer unidentified.   http://mp.natlib.govt.nz/detail/?id=37740&l=en

The scene of New Zealand's worst ship wreck, the Waipapa Reef claimed 131 lives when the S S Tararua run aground in the early hours of April 29th 1881. After nine hours of pounding by heavy surf the steamer broke up and sunk leaving only 20 survivors. 65 of those lost were buried at the Tararua Acre near the present day lighthouse. The remaining were buried at Fortrose Cemetery.

To prevent further tragedies a lighthouse was erected and on 1 January 1884 the light was lit by the first keeper Arthur Ericson.

J F Ericson moved to the lighthouse in 1883 as the first keeper, here is an excerpt from the Ericson family history; ^a

On January 1^st 1884 the light at Waipapa Point was first established, and an entry in the log 5.5.1884 states “female child born to Principal Keeper.” This was May. When Ruby (6.5.1886) and Frank (24.3.1889) were born they were able to get a nurse from the village in each case.

 This was the first time the Ericsons had lived close to civilisation. The children were able to attend school at Otara, the older boys left school. Arthur settled on a farm in that area, George further afield at  Orepuke. Alf McClure was the first school teacher at Otara. He taught Charlotte and in 1889 they were married. Charles joined NZ Railways, took the first train to Clyde in Central Otago, married about 1894. Work with the Railways took him to various places until he retired in Picton.

 Sunday 17^th June 1894. J F Ericson’s last entry in Log of Waipapa Lighthouse “Took Inventory of Government Property.”

 Log entry for Monday 18^th June 1894 reads “cleaned glass and brasswork and swept up. Government ship Hinemoa landed stores and oil etc and took Principal Keeper to Dog Island.". ^a

Originally a 2 keeper light station.

This would be the last wooden lighthouse built.

As the lighthouse was situated near the town of Fortrose, the lighthouse families attended church, bought their supplies and their children were able to attend school in the town.

In 1903, a 25 year veteran of the lighthouse service took his on life at the lighthouse.

1911-12, an incandescent light was installed. Porches added to the lighthouse keepers houses.

On 25 June, 1943 the lighthouse was the first lighthouse to be connected to the the national electricity grid.  Reduced to 1 keeper.

But due to salt spray, lines buries underground 1959.

Road built 1949.

1965 new relieving keepers house built.

The lighthouse was automated in 1976 and the keepers houses and out buildings were demolished

In 1988, a solar powered filament lamp was installed.

In December, 2008, an LED beacon powered by batteries charged by solar panels was installed on the balcony of the lantern room. Also during 2008 a major restoration project was undertaken on the lighthouse. 

DIRECTIONS:

A good way to see both Nugget Point and Waipapa Point lighthouses is to follow the "Southern Scenic Route" and "Heritage Trails" from Balclutha to Invercargill through the Catlins area..

From the town of Otara, Waipapa Point lighthouse can be reached by following Waipapa Lighthouse Road for about 5km. The road is sealed/gravel.

Sources

Additional Sources:

^a. Trevor Meikle

^b. 

Text and photographs. Copyright © 1999-2011 Mark Phillips. All rights reserved.

If anyone has any information on this light please contact me. thekiwimark@msn.com

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