Genevieve Montgomery A devastating fire has destroyed much of the historic three-masted sailing ship, The Tui, which has long been a fixture on the Waitangi waterfront in Paihia, Bay of Islands. The blaze broke out in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with fire crews battling for hours to contain the flames. The incident is being treated as suspicious, and the loss is a significant blow to local heritage and marine education efforts.
The Tui: A Piece of Maritime History
The Tui, a timber three-masted ship, has been a well-known landmark by the Waitangi Bridge for decades. Originally brought to prominence by the late Kelly Tarlton, the renowned diver and marine explorer, The Tui was used to house Tarlton’s collection of shipwreck artefacts and maritime treasures. More recently, the vessel had changed hands and was under restoration by the Kerikeri-based TriOceans Marine Research Institute, with plans to transform it into a community space and marine education facility for the Bay of Islands.
The Fire: Timeline and Response
- Outbreak: The fire was first reported shortly after 4am, with multiple emergency calls alerting Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) to the scene.
- Response: Four fire crews responded initially, with two additional crews dispatched as the scale of the blaze became clear. Upon arrival, firefighters found the timber ship fully ablaze, with flames engulfing the top deck and the rear of the vessel already burnt out.
- Extent of Damage: By sunrise, The Tui was described as “fully engulfed in flames” and “already significantly damaged.” Observers on the scene reported that there was little hope of salvaging much of the historic vessel.
- No Casualties: There were no people on board overnight, and no injuries have been reported.
- Smoke and Safety: The fire generated significant smoke in the Paihia and Waitangi areas, prompting authorities to advise residents to avoid the vicinity and keep windows shut until the situation was under control.
Community Reaction and Impact
The loss of The Tui has been met with shock and sadness in the local community. Many had welcomed the recent sale and restoration plans, seeing the ship’s revival as a positive step for Paihia’s waterfront and for marine education in the region. Just a day before the fire, $15,000 worth of materials had reportedly been delivered for the restoration project, making the timing of the blaze especially devastating.
Local resident Derek Gerritsen described the scene: “She’s fully engulfed in flames. I don’t think there’ll be much left of it.” Others noted that while the ship had become an eyesore in recent years, its restoration was a source of hope and excitement.
Suspicious Circumstances and Investigation
Fire and Emergency New Zealand have indicated that the fire is being treated as suspicious. While the exact cause has not yet been determined, rumours and speculation are circulating within the community. Authorities have confirmed that a full investigation will be conducted to establish how the fire started and whether foul play was involved.
Heritage and Future
The destruction of The Tui is a significant cultural and historical loss for the Bay of Islands. As a vessel with deep ties to New Zealand’s maritime heritage and the legacy of Kelly Tarlton, its planned transformation into a marine education centre was widely anticipated. The TriOceans Marine Research Institute, which had only recently taken ownership, described the fire as a huge blow and a shock, expressing disappointment at the loss of both the ship and the opportunity it represented for community engagement and education.
Safety Advisory
Residents and visitors in Paihia and Waitangi are advised to continue avoiding the area near Waitangi Bridge and to keep windows closed until smoke has fully cleared. Fire and Emergency crews remain on site to monitor for flare-ups and to assist with the investigation.
Summary
The fire that destroyed The Tui marks the end of an era for Paihia’s waterfront and is a poignant reminder of the fragility of New Zealand’s maritime heritage. As the community comes to terms with the loss, attention will turn to the investigation and to discussions about how best to preserve and celebrate the region’s rich nautical history going forward.
