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The Fleets

Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand

This is only a brief overview and several books are available which give details of the history of this company and the other companies taken over.

The Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Union NZ) should not be confused with the Union Steam Ship Company (UK) which became part of Union-Castle Line. Union NZ was formed in 1875 to originally run coastal services and in 1876 they commenced sailings to Sydney. Over the next years, the company took over several other shipping companies and sailings to San Francisco started in 1885. This route was discontinued in 1900 due to US restrictive laws, and the following year, Union NZ acquired a half share in the Canadian Australian Royal Mail Steam Ship Company to run services to Vancouver, and which they took over completely in 1910.

In 1912 the Australia-UK service of Houlder Bros was taken over from New Zealand Shipping Company. Control of the Union NZ was acquired by P&O Line in 1917 but the company retained it's own identity.

The Canadian Australasian Line was formed in a joint venture with Canadian Pacific in 1931 to counter competition from the US owned Matson Line and this service continued until 1953 when it was replaced by air travel. In the 1960-1970s, Union gradually withdrew from passenger carrying and became primarily a cargo company.

Many thanks to Ted Finch for his assistance in collecting this data. The following list was extracted from various sources. This is not an all inclusive list but should only be used as a guide. If you would like to know more about a vessel, visit the Ship Descriptions (on-site) ot the Immigrant Ship web site.

Routes:

Passenger / Passenger-cargo routes.

  • 1875 East Coast service: Port Chalmers - Wellington - Lyttelton - New Plymouth - Auckland. West Coast service: Port Chalmers - Bluff - Greymouth - Nelson - Picton - Wellington. Other coastal services followed.
  • 1877-1960 Port Chalmers - Onehunga (Auckland) - Sydney. Pacific Islands service commenced.
  • 1878 Port Chalmers - Wellington - Onehunga - Melbourne.
  • 1878-1976 Wellington - Lyttelton.
  • 1878-1962 Wellington - Picton.
  • 1881-1968 Auckland - Fiji.
  • 1889 Auckland - Tonga - Samoa.
  • 1896-1968 Auckland - Rarotonga - Tahiti - (1897) - Marquesas.
  • 1885-1900 Sydney - Auckland - San Francisco.
  • 1910-1936 Sydney - New Zealand ports - San Francisco.
  • 1887-1969 New Zealand - India (Calcutta)
  • 1891-1959 New Zealand - Tasmania. Melbourne - Hobart.
  • 1910-1953 Wellington - Rarotonga - Papeete - Vancouver.
  • 1912-1927 New Zealand - UK (Houlder Line service)
  • 1946-1997 New Zealand - Australia - Indonesia - Malaysia - Western Pacific.
  • 1967-1997 Auckland - Lyttelton - Dunedin (roll on / roll off service)

Funnel:
Red funnel, black top with two narrow black bands.

Fleet:

Vessel Built Years in Service Tons
Albion 1863 1878 taken over with Blue Emu Line, 1883 sold to Ellis & Mitchell, Sydney. 806
Aorangi (1) 1883 1901-1909 chartered for Vancouver service, 1910 purchased from New Zealand Shipping Co., 1915 sold to British Admiralty and sunk as a blockship at Scapa Flow. 4,163
Aorangi (2) 1924 1940-1946 troopship, 1953 scrapped. 17,491
Aparima 1902 1917 torpedoed and sunk in English Channel; loss of 56 lives. 5,704
Arahura 1905 1925 sold to Anchor Shipping & Foundry Co., Nelson. 1,596
Arawata 1878 1878 - 1890 laid up, 1897 store ship at Wellington, 1927 sank while hulk after collision by SS Devon. 1,096
Armagh 1917 1923 grounded and wrecked at mouth of River Mersey. 12,269
Atua 1906 1906 - 1924 laid up, 1926 sold to Khedivial Mail Co., London, renamed Rashid. 3,444
Australia 1884 1896 purchased from J. McFarlane, Ayr, 1899 wrecked Tasmania. 459
Awatea 1936 1942 bombed and sunk in Mediterranean while trooping. 13,482
Balls Head 1911 ex- Hilde-Hugo Stinnes (H. Stinnes, Mulheim), 1921 war reparations to Coal & Bunkering Co., Sydney but managed by Union SS Co. and renamed Balls Head, 1933 sold to Tung An SS Co., Shanghai, renamed Tung Foo. 1,658
Banks Peninsula 1889 1890 purchased from Peninsula & Akaroa S.N.Co., Lyttelton, 1891 sold to Reynolds, Hobart. 1896 Reynolds taken over by Union, Banks Peninsula sold to Northern SS Co., Auckland, renamed Waitangi. 171
Beautiful Star 1862 1875 taken over with the Harbour Steam Co., 1899 sold to T. Nichols, Hobart. 177
Bellinger 1884 1896 taken over with T.A. Reynolds, Hobart fleet, 1897 sold to Northern SS Co., Auckland, renamed Muritai. 225
Boojum 1880 passenger tender at Napier, 1887 wrecked in gale. 38
Bruce 1874 taken over with the Harbour Steam Co., 1875 wrecked at Otago. 335
Brunner 1888 1900 sold to Laidley & Co, Sydney. 540
Cairntoul 1889 1890 renamed Taieri. 1908 transferred to Maoriland SS Co., Wellington, renamed Lauderdale. 1,668
Corinna 1882 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1930 scuttled. 1,271
Dartford 1877 (3-masted sailing ship), 1908 purchased from D. Corsar, London, as cadet training ship, 1921 hulked, 1946 hull scrapped. 1,327
Dingadee 1883 1890 purchased from Australasian United S.N. Co., 1900 sold to Blackball Coal Co., Christchurch. 640
Fijian 1886 1889 taken over from B.B. Nicoll & Co., Sydney, 1889 wrecked New Hebrides. 987
Flinders 1878 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1894 sold McIlwraith, McEachern. 948
Flora 1882 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1925 converted to barge, 1944 scuttled. 1,273
Gabriella 1920 1930 taken over with R.S. Lamb & Co., Sydney, 1952 sold to Chandris, Piraeus, renamed Dora Chandris. 1,587
Gladbrook 1877 ex- Countess of Anglesea, 1911 purchased from O. Pettersen, Marieham and renamed Gladbrook, 1945 scrapped. 1,112
Glenelg 1875 1896 taken over with T.A. Reynolds, Hobart fleet, 1898 sold to A. Ellerker, Melbourne. 210
Grafton 1854 1885 taken over with Black Diamond Line fleet, 1898 wrecked Port Macquarie. 548
Haupiri 1885 ex- Richmond, 1896 purchased from Donald & Edenborough, Auckland and renamed Haupiri, 1915 sold to Sun Shipping Co., London. 748
Hauraki 1922 1942 captured by Japanese surface raiders renamed Hoki Maru. 7,113
Hauroto 1881 1912 sold to Hauroto SS Co., Hong Kong. 1,988
Hawea (1) 1875 1888 wrecked at New Plymouth. 721
Hawea (2) 1897 1908 wrecked at Greymouth. 1,758
Hawea (3) 1967 1976 sold to New Zealand Government, renamed Coastal Express. 2,926
Herald 1884 1900 taken over from C. Stone, Auckland, 1905 sold to Japan, renamed Rensho Maru. 573
Hero 1861 1889 purchased from Bright Bros, Melbourne, 1891 sold to Noumea and hulked. 985
Hinemoa 1946 1967 sold to Hydro-Electric Commission of Tasmania as an electrical power ship, renamed George H. Evans. 6,911
Ilma 1885 1911 purchased from E. Pike, Sydney, 1937 scuttled. 345
Janet Nicoll 1884 1890 purchased from Henderson & MacFarlane, Auckland, 1903 sold to Koe Guan, Penang. 779
Kahika (1) 1902 ex- Ennerdale, 1915 taken over with Maoriland SS Co., Wellington, and renamed Kahika, 1933 scuttled. 1,148
Kahika (2) 1938 1940 wrecked Tasmania. 1,537
Kaiapoi (1) 1906 ex- Holywood, 1906 purchased from France Fenwick & Co., London and renamed Kaiapoi, 1930 sold to Kin Hong SS Co., Hong Kong. 2,003
Kaiapoi (2) 1949 1968 sold to Litonjua & Co., Manila, renamed Eddie K.L. 2,485
Kaikorai 1918 ex- Cape Natal, 1919 purchased from British & African Shipping Co. and renamed Kaikorai, 1948 sold to Hwah Lee SS Co., Shanghai. 3,151
Kaimai (1) 1924 ex- Charlois, 1924 purchased from Santen & Schmid, Rotterdam and renamed Kaimai, 1952 sold to Chandris, Piraeus, renamed Mina Chandris. 1,435
Kaimai (2) 1956 1972 sold to Panama, renamed Meladju. 2,007
Kaimanawa (1) 1909 ex- John Heidmann (H. Stinnes, Mulheim), 1920 war reparations and renamed Kaimanawa, 1935 sold to Japan but resold to China, renamed Lee An. 2,416
Kaimanawa (2) 1944 1966 sold to Madrigal Shipping Co., Manila, renamed Rosa Anna. 2,577
Kaimiro (1) 1929 1954 sold to R. Miller & Co., Sydney, renamed Branxton. 2,562
Kaimero (2) 1956 1975 sold to Maldives, renamed Climax Topaz. 3,722
Kairanga (1) 1914 ex- Antwerpen, Oldenburg-Portuguese Line, Hamburg, 1920 war reparations and renamed Kairanga, 1921 renamed Wingatui, 1951 sold to Chandris, Piraeus, renamed Thoula Chandris. 2,378
Kairanga (2) 1922 ex- Saint Rominique, 1924 purchased and renamed Kairanga, 1956 sold to Hong Kong owners, renamed Amelia. 2,830
Kaitangata (1) 1907 ex- Ladywood, 1907 purchased from France Fenwick & Co., London and renamed Kaitangata, 1930 sold to Ling Nam SS Co., Hong Kong. 1,981
Kaitangata (2) 1948 1968 sold to Liberia, renamed Paladin. 2,485
Kaitawa 1949 1966 sank off Cape Reinga. 2,485
Kaitoa 1956 1972 sold to Panama, renamed Katoa. 2,584
Kaitoke (1) 1918 ex- Cape Colony, 1920 purchased from British & African Shipping Co. and renamed Kaitoke, 1935 sold to Japan, transferred to China, renamed Kong Ho. 3,167
Kaitoke (2) 1948 1973 sold to Panama, renamed Singapore. 3,551
Kaituna (1) 1904 ex- Needwood, 1905 purchased from France Fenwick & Co., London and renamed Kaituna, 1931 sold to Wing Hong & Co., Hong Kong. 1,977
Kaituna (2) 1956 1975 sold to Maldives, renamed Climax Jade. 3,722
Kaiwarra 1918 1942 wrecked near Lyttelton. 3,125
Kakapo (1) 1898 ex- Clarence, 1900 purchased from Yukon SS Co., Sansea and renamed Kakapo, 1900 wrecked off Cape Town on delivery voyage. 1,091
Kakapo (2) 1901 ex- Scarisbrick, 1903 purchased from Eldridge & Morgan, Cardiff and renamed Kakapo, 1926 hulked, 1936 scrapped. 1,521
Kakapo (3) 1936 1960 sold to Teh Hu SS Co., Hong Kong, 1964 renamed Teh-Ping. 2,498
Kakariki 1926 1937 sunk in collision in Hobsons Bay. 887
Kallingo 1927 1930 taken over with R.S. Lamb & Co., Sydney, 1943 torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine off Sydney. 2,047
Kama 1937 ex- Port Tauranga, 1947 purchased from A. Watchlin, Auckland and renamed Kama, 1948 renamed Kopua, 1960 sold to Hethking Steamships, Sydney, renamed Cobargo. 1,529
Kamo (1) 1913 1930 sold to Foo Hong SS Co, Hong Kong. 1,236
Kamo (2) 1943 ex- Gaarden (German Navy), 1947 war reparations and renamed Kamo, 1957 sold to Panama, renamed Sunning. 1,450
Kamona (1) 1901 ex- Rollesby Broad, 1901 purchased from Hawthorn Bros., London and renamed Kamona, 1931 sold to Shun Hong SS Co, Hong Kong. 1,425
Kamona (2) 1949 1965 sold to Ocean Transport Ltd, Sydney, renamed Harwood. 1,785
Kanieri 1886 1893 sold to Northern SS Co, Auckland. 203
Kanna (1) 1911 1936 sold to Japan, transferred to China, renamed Chung Tai. 1,948
Kanna (2) 1946 1967 sold to Cia Nav La Luna, Panama, renamed Luna Marina. 942
Kaponga (1) 1925 1932 wrecked Greymouth. 2,346
Kaponga (2) 1949 ex- Woodland, 1955 purchased from Currie Line, Leith and renamed Kaponga, 1961 sold to Hang Fong Shipping Co., Hong Kong, renamed Nam Feng. 2,712
Karamu (1) 1912 1921 sold to Canterbury Steam Shipping Co., Christchurch, renamed Gale. 939
Karamu (2) 1953 1972 sold to Guan Guan Shipping Co., Singapore, renamed King Luck. 1,972
Karepo (1) 1929 1954 sold to R. Miller & Co., Sydney, renamed Teralba. 2,563
Karepo (2) 1964 1978 sold to Pacific Viking Ltd, Singapore, renamed Atlantic Viking. 3,222
Karetu (1) 1924 1951 sold to Chandris, Piraeus, renamed Keti Chandris. 3,210
Karetu (2) 1964 1989 sold to Pacific Nav.Co., Singapore, renamed Pacific Ocean. 3,222
Karitane (1) 1903 ex- Cavalier, 1905 purchased from Stewart SS Co., Liverpool and renamed Karitane, 1921 wrecked Deal Island, Bass Strait. 1,376
Karitane (2) 1939 1965 sold to Kinabatangan Shipping Co., Hong Kong, renamed Good Philippine Anchorage. 2,534
Karoon 1951 1968 sold to Miller & Co., Sydney, renamed Lisa Miller. 2,457
Karori 1902 ex- Minas, 1903 purchased from Soc.Espanola de Minas, Bilbao and renamed Karori, 1928 sold to Chun Yung Zan, Shanghai, renamed Shanghai. 1,863
Kartigi 1925 1955 sold for scrap. 2,347
Karu (1) 1901 ex- Holmdale, 1915 taken over with Maoriland SS Co., Wellington, and renamed Karu, 1925 sold to A. Watchlin, Auckland. 266
Karu (2) 1935 1964 wrecked off Papua. 1,044
Katea 1958 1975 sold to Panama, renamed Santa Ursula. 3,790
Katoa 1912 1933 sold to Moller & Co., Shanghai, renamed Winifred Moller. 2,484
Katui 1946 1967 sold to Islander Nav.Corp., Panama, renamed Cindee. 942
Kauri (1) 1905 ex- Harmony 1912 purchased from J. & C. Harrison, London, and renamed Kauri, 1928 sold to Moller & Co., Shanghai, renamed Minnie Moller. 2,833
Kauri (2) 1936 1962 sold to Manners & Co., Hong Kong, renamed Carolina. 2,361
Kawaroa 1950 1973 sold to Panama, renamed Tong Soon. 3,532
Kawatiri (1) 1882 1887 taken over with Westport Coal Co., 1907 wrecked Macquarie Heads. 516
Kawatiri (2) 1919 ex- Shahristan, 1920 purchased from F.C. Strick, London, and renamed Kawatiri, 1935 sold to Japan, transferred to China, renamed Wen Yuan. 3,127
Kawatiri (3) 1950 1972 sold to Panama, renamed Kawati. 2,484
Kawerau 1955 1975 sold to Maldives, renamed Coral Sea. 3,698
Kekerangu 1919 ex- Cosmos, 1920 purchased from Severn Shipping Co., Cardiff, and renamed Kekerangu, 1953 scrapped. 3,146
Kia Ora 1896 1898 purchased from McGregor SS Co., Glasgow, 1907 sold to Northern SS Co., Auckland. 300
Kini (1) 1894 ex- Ella, 1898 purchased from J. Barwick, Sunderland and renamed Kini, 1925 scuttled. 1,122
Kini (2) 1930 1956 sold to Manners & Co., Hong Kong, renamed Brenda. 1,388
Kittawa 1898 ex- Glosterhill, 1899 purchased from Broomhill Shipping Co., Newcastle, 1928 sold to Wing Hong, Hong Kong. 1,247
Kiwatea 1925 1955 sold for scrap. 2,343
Kokiri (1) 1911 ex- Lauderdale, 1915 taken over with Maoriland SS Co., Wellington, and renamed Kokiri, 1927 sold to Madrigal & Co., Manila, renamed Josefina. 1,214
Kokiri (2) 1951 1967 sold to Litonjua & Co., Manila, renamed Junior K.L. 2,470
Komata (1) 1907 1932 laid up, 1935 sold to China, renamed Fu Ho. 1,944
Komata (2) 1938 1940 sunk by German surface raider Komet. 3,900
Komata (3) 1946 1967 sold to Panama, renamed Antonio Regidor. 3,543
Konini (1) 1924 1924 wrecked off Bluff on delivery voyage. 1,435
Konini (2) 1957 1971 sold to Guan Guan Shipping Co., Singapore, renamed King Tower. 2,007
Konui 1949 1969 sold to Unique Shipping Co., Singapore, renamed Bonatrade. 2,485
Koonya (1) 1898 ex- Yukon, 1899 purchased from Yukon SS Co., Swansea and renamed Koonya, 1919 grounded and lost on Tasmania coast. 1,091
Koonya (2) 1957 1971 sold to Guan Guan Shipping Co., Singapore, renamed King Star. 1,946
Kootara 1952 1975 sold to Cyprus, renamed Sydney. 2,429
Kopua   see Kama.  
Koraki 1957 1976 sold to Maldives, renamed Maldive Ambassador. 3,790
Koranui (1) 1883 1885 taken over with Black Diamond Line fleet, 1889 wrecked Blind Bay. 448
Koranui (2) 1914 ex- Cleopatra (A.Kirsten, Hamburg), 1920 war reparations and renamed, 1953 to J. Hagen, Noumea, renamed Neo Hebridais II. 1,266
Koranui (3) 1956 1976 sold to Maldives, renamed South Pacific. 3,722
Koromiko (1) 1907 1927 sold to Shun Hong SS Co, Hong Kong. 2,479
Koromiko (2) 1947 1967 sold to Panama, renamed Jose Regidor. 3,552
Korowai 1938 1965 sold to Timor Nav.Co, Panama, renamed Ermera. 2,525
Kotuku 1900 1912 wrecked Greymouth. 1,054
Kowhai (1) 1910 ex- Devon Coast, 1910 purchased from F. Powell & Co., Liverpool and renamed, 1950 scrapped. 792
Kowhai (2) 1952 1973 sold to Panama, renamed New Bangkok. 3,528
Kumalla 1956 1973 sold to Hethking SS Ltd, Sydney, renamed Cobargo (2) 1,865
Kurow (1) 1909 1931 laid up, 1933 sold to Moller & Co., Shanghai, renamed Mabel Moller. 2,581
Kurow (2) 1939 1965 sold to Norse Shipping Co., Panama, renamed Norse Transporter. 3,900
Kurutai 1952 1973 sold to Panama, renamed New Keelung. 3,528
Ladybird 1851 1876 taken over with New Zealand Steam Shipping Co. fleet, 1881 sold to Westport Coal Co. 252
Leitrim 1915 1929 renamed Narbada, 1948 scrapped. 9,540
Limerick (1) 1898 1912 purchased from New Zealand Shipping Co., 1917 torpedoed and sunk off Ireland. 6,827
Limerick (2) 1925 1943 torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine near Port Macquarie. 8,684
Loongana 1904 1922 transferred to Tasmanian Steamers Pty, Melbourne, 1936 scrapped. 2,448
Maheno (1) 1905 1935 sold for scrap but broke tow and wrecked off Queensland. 5,282
Maheno (2) 1969 1977 sold to Panama, renamed Jolly Giallo. 4,510
Mahinapua 1882 1910 sold to Emerson Bros., renamed Sydney. 493
Maitai (1) 1885 1885 taken over with Black Diamond Line fleet, 1889 wrecked Mercury Island. 275
Maitai (2)   see Miowera .
Makura 1908 1936 sold for scrap. 8,075
Manapouri 1882 1910 cargo only, 1915 sold to Moller & Co., Shanghai, renamed Lindsay Moller. 1,783
Manawatu 1873 1885 taken over with Black Diamond Line fleet, 1898 sank in Hobsons Bay in collision, salvaged and sold W.H. Smith & Sons, Melbourne. 183
Mangana 1876 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1892 sold to Jouve & Co., Noumea. 752
Manuka 1903 1929 wrecked near Otago. 4,505
Maori (1) 1868 1888 transferred from M. Kennedy, Greymouth, 1902 sold to E. Allen, Samoa. 151
Maori (2) 1907 1946 sold to United Corp. of China, Shanghai, renamed Hwa Lien. 3,399
Maori (3) 1953 1974 scrapped. 7,480
Mapourika 1898 1921 sold to Anchor Shipping Co., Nelson, renamed Ngaio. 1,203
Marama (1) 1907 1937 scrapped. 6,437
Marama (2) 1969 1984 sold to Panama, renamed Marada. 4,510
Mararoa 1885 1931 stripped and hull scuttled. 2,598
Matua 1936 1968 sold to E. Litojua, Manila, renamed Sultan K.L. 4,193
Maunganui 1911 1947 sold to Cia Naviera del Atlantico, Piraeus, renamed Cyrenia. 7,527
Mawhera 1883 1885 taken over with Black Diamond Line fleet, 1901 chartered to French Government, renamed Croix du Sud (2), 1902 wrecked Apatiki Island. 554
Miowera   1892 - 1908 transferred from Canadian-Australian Royal Mail Line, 1908 renamed Maitai, 1916 wrecked Rarotonga. 3,393
Moa 1864 1894 purchased from Black Diamond Line, Wellington, 1897 sold to Wellington S.P. Co. 188
Moana 1897 1921 laid up, 1927 hulked. 3,915
Moeraki 1903 1930 laid up, 1933 scrapped. 4,392
Mokoia 1898 1929 scuttled. 3,502
Monowai (1) 1890 1890-1897 San Francisco service, 1920 laid up, 1926 hulked. 3,433
Monowai (2) 1925 1940 became HMNZS Monowai, 1946 returned to owners, 1960 scrapped. 10,852
Moreton 1882 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1896 sold to Japan, renamed Iwai Maru. 581
Moura 1899 ex- North Lyall, 1899 purchased from North Mount Lyall Copper Co. and renamed Moura, 1915 sold to Douglas SS Co., Hong Kong, renamed Hai Hong. 2,027
Narbada   see Leitrim.  
Natone 1900 passenger tender at Wellington, 1945 sold to A. Long, Wellington. 70
Navua (1) 1904 1924 laid up, 1927 sold to Khedivial Mail Co., London, renamed Roda. 2,930
Navua (2) 1955 1972 sold to Guan Guan Shipping Co., Singapore, renamed King Horse. 1,952
Ngahere (1) 1908 1922 chartered from the Blackball Coal Co., 1924 wrecked Greymouth. 1,090
Ngahere (2) 1966 1988 sold to Foojadii Shipping Co., Mahe, renamed Sea Horse. 4,548
Ngakuta (1) 1913 1922 chartered from the Blackball Coal Co., 1942 purchased by Union SS Co., 1952 scrapped. 1,775
Ngakuta (2) 1962 1983 sold to Panama, renamed Giant Treasure. 4,576
Ngapara 1966 1986 sold to Panama, renamed Kent Brilliant. 4,548
Ngatoro (1) 1910 1922 chartered from the Blackball Coal Co., 1942 purchased by Union SS Co., 1949 sold to Madrigal Shipping Co., Manila, renamed Aeolus. 1,140
Ngatoro (2) 1962 1976 sold to Florvik Cia Nav, Piraeus. 4,576
Niagara 1913 1940 mined and sunk off Whangerei. 13,415
Ohau 1884 1899 sank off Cape Campbell. 740
Omana 1915 1930 taken over with R.S. Lamb & Co., Sydney, 1951 sold to Chandris, Piraeus, renamed Youla Chandris. 2,550
Omapere 1882 1903 sold to Koe Guan, Penang. 601
Oonah 1888 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1922 transferred to Tasmanian Steamers Pty, 1935 scrapped. 1,757
Opihi 1886 ex- Lilla (sailing ship), 1914 purchased from Pettersen & Ullenaes, Porsgrund as hulk, 1917 Sold to Opihi Shipping Co., Lyttelton, converted to steamer, 1924 returned to Union SS Co., 1936 scuttled. 1,117
Oreti 1877 1888 purchased from J. Kilgour, 1897 sold to Wellington S.P.Co. 218
Orowaiti (1) 1882 1887 taken over with Westport Coal Co., 1903 sold to Huttenbach, Penang, renamed Pulo Riman. 516
Orowaiti (2) 1921 1924 wrecked off California. 6,684
Ovalau 1891 1903 sold to Burns, Philp & Co., Sydney. 1,229
Paloona 1899 ex- Zealandia, 1908 purchased from Huddart Parker, Melbourne and renamed, 1922 laid up, 1928 scuttled Otago. 2,771
Pateena (1) 1883 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1924 hulked. 1,212
Pateena (2) 1958 1976 sold to Maldives, renamed Maldive Republic. 2,099
Penguin 1864 1879 purchased from J & G. Burns, Glasgow, 1909 wrecked Cape Terawhiti. 824
Phoebe 1851 1876 taken over with New Zealand Steam Shipping Co. fleet, 1878 sold to J.& A. Brown, Newcastle, NSW. 585
Poherua 1890 ex- Croydon, 1890 purchased from W. Connor, London and renamed, 1921 laid up, 1924 scuttled. 1,175
Polynesian Link   see Union Nelson.  
Poolta (1) 1921 1925 taken over from Tasmanian Government, 1952 sold to Chandris, Piraeus, renamed Despo Chandris. 1,675
Poolta (2) 1959 1976 sold to Bulkships Containers Ltd, Hobart. 2,085
Port Waikato 1929 1947 purchased from A. Watchlin, Auckland, 1959 sold to Lanena Shipping Co., Hong Kong. 676
Pukaki 1887 1915 sold to Crosby & Co., Melbourne. 1,444
Rakanoa 1896 1896-1902 India service, 1925 hulked, 1928 scuttled. 2,246
Rangatira (1) 1931 1967 scrapped. 6,152
Rangatira (2) 1972 1982-1983 Falklands War troopship, 1986 sold to Searoyal Ferries, Cyprus, renamed Queen M. 9,387
Ringarooma 1875 1878 purchased from Blue Emu Line, 1891 sold to C. Kunst, Samoa, renamed Samoa. 1,096
Risdon 1959 1975 sold to Maldives, renamed Maldive Navigator. 4,125
Rosamond 1884 1888 purchased from Brunner Coal Co., 1924 converted to barge, 1946 scuttled. 721
Roscommon 1902 1912 purchased from New Zealand Shipping Co., 1917 torpedoed and sunk off Ireland. 6,591
Rotoiti 1898 1912 sold to Northern SS Co., Auckland, renamed Manaia. 1,159
Rotokino 1890 1905 sold to Japan, renamed Nanyetsu Maru No.2. 2,064
Rotomahana 1879 1920 laid up, 1925 stripped, 1928 hull scuttled. 1,727
Rotorua 1876 1903 sold to Koe Guan & Co, Penang. 926
Seaway Princess 1976 1986 scrapped. 4,188
Seaway Hobart   see Union Hobart.  
Seaway King 1964 1977 sold to Best Shipping Co., Singapore, renamed Sentosa Trader. 2,961
Seaway Melbourne   see Union Lyttelton.  
Seaway Prince 1975 1986 scrapped. 4,174
Seaway Queen 1964 1980 sold to Labuan, renamed Lautan Rani. 2,961
Snark 1881 1905 Harbour tender at Gisborne, 1905 sold to Karamea SS Co., Wellington, renamed Karamea. 18
Southern Cross 1873 1881 taken over from Auckland SS Co., 1897 chartered to French Government, renamed Croix du Sud, 1900 hulked, 1906 hull scuttled. 262
Squall 1904 1906 purchased from Stewart Bros., Auckland, 1912 transferred to Richardson & Co., Napier, 1916 wrecked. 369
Sussex 1900 1922-1929 chartered from Federal Line, 1929 scrapped. 6,957
Suva 1877 1882 purchased from McEwan & Co., Melbourne, 1888 wrecked Westport. 293
Tahiti 1904 ex- Port Kingston, 1911 purchased from Elder Dempster Line and renamed Tahiti, 1930 sank at sea after propeller shaft snapped and tore a hole in the hull. 7,585
Taiaora 1875 1876 taken over from Albion Line, 1886 wrecked at North Canterbury. 438
Taieri   see Cairntoul.  
Takapuna 1883 1924 scrapped. 930
Talune (1) 1890 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1921 laid up, 1925 hulked, 1926 scuttled. 2,087
Talune (2) 1930 1959 sold to Transporte de Minerales, Panama, renamed Amos. 2,742
Tamahine 1925 1963 sold to Hong Kong Shipping Co., renamed Kowloon Star. 1,989
Taranaki 1865 1876 taken over with New Zealand Steam Shipping Co. fleet, 1878 wrecked Karewa Island. 415
Tararua 1864 1878 taken over with Blue Emu Line, 1881 wrecked Southland; loss of 131 lives. 828
Tarawera (1) 1883 1921 sold for scrap. 2,003
Tarawera (2) 1958 1974 sold to Maldives renamed Maldive Quest. 2,013
Taupo (1) 1875 1879 wrecked Tauranga, 1881 salved but sank. 720
Taupo (2) 1884 1900 wrecked in gale at Greymouth after anchor cables parted. 937
Taveuni 1940 ex- Argentinean Reefer, 1968 purchased from Lauritzen, Copenhagen and renamed Taveuni, 1972 sold to Panama, renamed Wan Lee. 2,826
Taviuni 1890 1921 laid up, 1924 hulked. 1,465
Te Anau 1879 1916 cargo only, 1921 laid up, 1924 scrapped. 1,652
Tekapo 1881 ex- Cape Clear, 1884 purchased from Lyle & Sons, Greenock and renamed Tekapo, 1889 wrecked off Sydney. 2,439
Tofua (1) 1908 1934 scrapped. 4,395
Tofua (2) 1951 1974 sold to Khymer Shipping Co., Panama, renamed Tack Tai. 5,299
Tuatea 1905 tender at Gisborne, 1929 sold to J. Perano & Co., Picton. 112
Tyrone 1901 1912 purchased from New Zealand Shipping Co., 1913 wrecked on delivery voyage. 6,664
Underwood 1941 1944 torpedoed and sunk in English Channel by German torpedo boats. 1,990
Union Aotearoa 1973 1973-1978 chartered from Gannel Shipping Ltd, 1978 sold to China Ocean Shipping, Shanghai, renamed Xing Cheng. 6,306
Union Auckland 1969 ex- Columbia, 1976 chartered from Wigmore Ltd, Bermuda and renamed Union Auckland, 1997 sold to Union Shipping NZ, Auckland. 12,782
Union Australia 1972 1977 chartered from Deep Sea Shipping Co., Wellington. 3,165
Union Dunedin 1978 ex- Tfl Progress, 1983-1986 chartered from Gursan Investments, Piraeus and renamed Union Dunedin, 1986 off charter. 5,290
Union Endeavour 1982 ex- Dagmar Reeckmann, 1986-1991 chartered from Halstead Shipping, Monrovia and renamed Union Endeavour, 1991 off charter, renamed Penelope II. 13,482
Union Hobart 1976 1984 renamed Seaway Hobart, 1992 sold to Cyprus, renamed Seaway I. 4,376
Union Lyttelton 1976 1983 renamed Seaway Melbourne, 1992 sold to Egypt, renamed Fast Trader. 4,376
Union Melbourne 1975 1975-1980 chartered from Northern Containers Ltd, London, 1980 renamed Union Trader, 1980 off charter from Northern Containers Ltd., London, renamed Puma. 4,377
Union Nelson 1980 ex- Sunny Karina, 1981 acquired from Aquarius, Hamburg and renamed, 1991 renamed Polynesian Link. 1991 capsized and scrapped. 1,728
Union New Zealand 1972 1972-1978 chartered from Deep Sea Shipping Co., Wellington, 1975 sold to Maritime Carriers, New Zealand. 3,165
Union Rotoiti 1977 1997 still in service. 12,967
Union Rotoma 1976 ex- Rost, 1991 purchased from Kagoro Ltd, Nassau and renamed, 1997 still in service. 13,978
Union Rotorua 1976 1997 still in service. 12,967
Union South Pacific 1972 chartered from Sea Containers Chartering, London, 1978 renamed Tarros Hazel. 968
Union Sydney (1) 1972 ex- Leena Dan, 1974-1977 chartered from Lauritzen, Copenhagen and renamed Union Sydney, 1977 reverted to Leena Dan. 4,210
Union Sydney (2) 1978 ex- Tfl Prosperity, 1983-1986 chartered from Norman Investments Corp., Piraeus and renamed Union Sydney, 1986 off charter, renamed Freeway North. 5,290
Union Trader   see Union Melbourne.  
Union Transtasman 1972 1977 chartered from Deep Sea Shipping Co., Wellington. 3,165
Union Wellington 1973 ex- Stena Shipper, 1973 purchased from Stena A/B, Stockholm and renamed Union Wellington, 1976 sold renamed Alpha Express. 2,541
Upolu 1891 1903 sold to Lever's Pacific Plantations Ltd, Sydney. 1,141
Wahine (1) 1913 1915 became HMS Wahine, 1920 resumed commercial service, 1951 wrecked Masella Island while troopship for Korean War. 4,436
Wahine (2) 1966 1968 wrecked in gale at Wellington; loss of 51 lives. 8,944
Waiana 1937 1966 sold to Intertrader Shipping Co, Panama, renamed Express Trader. 3,363
Waihemo (1) 1904 ex- Canada Cape (Elder Dempster Line), 1913 chartered from H & C. Grayson, Liverpool, 1914 purchased and renamed Waihemo, 1918 torpedoed and sunk off Greece. 4,283
Waihemo (2) 1919 1934 sold to Livanos, Chios, renamed Evenos. 5,627
Waihemo (3) 1944 ex- Dominion Park, 1946 purchased from Canadian Govt. and renamed Waihemo, 1966 sold to Madrigal Shipping Co., Manila, renamed Maria Susana. 7,189
Waihi 1881 1907 transferred to Wairau SS Co. 92
Waihora (1) 1883 1903 sold to Koe Guan, Penang. 2,004
Waihora (2) 1907 1927 sold to Japan, renamed Tairyu Maru. 4,638
Waikare (1) 1897 1910 grounded and sank off NZ coast. 3,071
Waikare (2) 1958 1975 sold to Maldives, renamed Maldive Sailor. 3,829
Waikawa (1) 1907 ex- Schlesien (North German Lloyd), war prize, 1915 renamed Maritime, 1915 purchased from Maritime SS Co., London, and renamed Waikawa, 1917 torpedoed and sunk in English Channel. 5,642
Waikawa (2) 1919 1934 sold to Tower SS Co., London, renamed Tower Ensign. 5,677
Waikawa (3) 1944 ex- Parkdale Park, 1946 purchased from Canadian Govt. and renamed Waikawa, 1959 sold to Panama, renamed Fulda. 7,185
Waikouaita 1914 ex- Irmgard (Hamburg Bremer Afrika Line), 1920 war reparations and renamed Waikouaita, 1939 wrecked near Bluff. 3,926
Waimarino (1) 1900 ex- Wyandotte, 1914 purchased from Furness Withy & Co. and renamed Waimarino, 1926 sold to Chun Young Zan, Shanghai, renamed King Sing. 4,204
Waimarino (2) 1930 1957 sold to Manners & Co., Hong Kong, renamed San Eduardo. 3,067
Waimate 1951 1972 sold to Eastern Shipping Lines, Manila, renamed Eastern Planet. 3,506
Waimea (1) 1909 1928 acquired from Anchor Shipping & Foundry Co., Nelson, 1935 reverted to Anchor S & F Co. 454
Waimea (2) 1953 1975 sold to Oceanhandel, Singapore, renamed Arnhem. 3,657
Wainui (1) 1886 1929 sold and scrapped. 684
Wainui (2) 1930 1958 sold to Cia. de Nav Victoria Neptuno, Panama, renamed Amonea. 1,633
Wainui (3) 1955 ex- Whangaroa, 1964 purchased from New Zealand Shipping Co. and renamed Wainui, 1970 transferred to British India S.N.Co., renamed Warina. 8,701
Waiotapu 1913 ex- Stolberg (Deutsche-Australische Line), 1919 war reparations and renamed Waiotapu, 1946 sold Lambert Bros., London, renamed Victoria Peak. 6,035
Waipahi 1925 1955 sold to Typaldos, Piraeus, renamed Kefallinia. 1,783
Waipiata 1926 1956 sold to J. Manners, Hong Kong, renamed San Roberto. 2,826
Waipori (1) 1901 1928 sold to Japan, renamed Waipori Maru. 1,919
Waipori (2) 1938 1965 sold to Teh Hu SS Co., Hong Kong, renamed Pacific Mariner. 4,282
Wairarapa 1882 1894 wrecked on Great Barrier Reef; loss of 79 lives. 1,786
Wairata 1943 ex- Cape Igvak, 1947 purchased from Parry Nav. Co., Seattle and renamed Wairata, 1967 sold to Ta Teh SS Co., Hong Kong, renamed Successful Day. 5,255
Wairimu 1941 ex- Cape Alava, 1948 purchased from US Maritime Commission and renamed Wairimu, 1966 sold to Tung Lee Nav. Co., Hong Kong, renamed Ta Tung. 6,796
Wairuna (1) 1904 ex- Matoppo, 1905 purchased from Bucknall Lines and renamed Wairuna, 1917 captured and sunk by German surface raider WOLF. 3,942
Wairuna (2) 1914 1920 purchased from British India S.N. Co., 1940 taken over by MOWT, 1945 scuttled with cargo of unwanted ammunition. 5,832
Wairuna (3) 1944 ex- Salt Lake Park, 1946 purchased from Canadian Govt. and renamed Wairuna, 1960 sold to Panama, renamed Bonna. 7,212
Waitaki (1) 1876 1879 taken over from Oamaru & Dunedin Steam Co., 1883 sold to Kamo Colliery, Auckland. 412
Waitaki (2) 1934 1958 sold to Ta Hsing SS Co., Keelung, renamed Tai Yuin. 2,212
Waitaki (3) 1954 ex- Whakatane, 1964 purchased from New Zealand Shipping Co. and renamed Waitaki, 1970 sold to Panama, renamed Succesful Enterprise. 8,726
Waitemata (1) 1908 1918 torpedoed and sunk in Mediterranean. 5,432
Waitemata (2) 1919 1932 sold to W. Crosby & Co., Melbourne, renamed Willandra. 5,666
Waitemata (3) 1946 1967 sold to Teh Hu SS Co., Hong Kong, renamed Amelia. 7,364
Waitomo (1) 1911 ex- Gifford, 1913 purchased from Gifford Trading Co. and renamed Waitomo, 1933 sold to China Pacific S.N.Co., renamed Meishun. 4,214
Waitomo (2) 1944 ex- Sunnyside Park, 1946 purchased from Canadian Govt. and renamed Waitomo, 1963 sold to Panama, renamed Blue Shark. 7,209
Waitotara 1907 ex- Dalmore, 1916 purchased from Campbell & Son, Glasgow, and renamed Waitotara, 1917 caught fire and sank at sea. 4,717
Wakatipu 1876 1924 sold to W. Waugh, Balmain and hulked. 1,797
Wanaka (1) 1876 1891 wrecked at Waitara. 493
Wanaka (2) 1887 ex- Liddesdale, 1897 purchased from R. Mackill & Co., Glasgow and renamed Wanaka, 1927 scuttled. 2,422
Wanaka (3) 1938 1942-1946 requisitioned by Royal Australian Air Force, 1965 sold to Liberia, renamed Pater Elias. 2,259
Wanaka (4) 1970 1976 sold to Sealanes Transport, Piraeus, renamed Rata Hills. 2,769
Wareatea 1883 1887 taken over with Westport Coal Co., 1904 sold to Holyman, Launceston. 512
Warrimoo 1892 1916 transferred from Canadian-Australian Royal Mail Line, 1916 sold to Singapore. 3,528
Wellington 1863 1876 taken over with New Zealand Steam Shipping Co. fleet, 1881 sold to Northern SS Co., Auckland. 429
Westmeath 1903 ex- Everton Grange (Houlder Line), 1912 to New Zealand Shipping Co., renamed Westmeath. 1912 transferred from New Zealand Shipping Co., 1926 sold to Soc. Ligure de Nav. a Vap., Genoa, renamed Nordico. 8,096
Whangape 1900 1928 sold to Shanghai, renamed Nanking. 2,931
Willochra 1913 1913-1915 chartered from Adelaide SS Co., Adelaide. 7,784
Wingatui   see Kairanga (1) 2,378
Zealandia 1910 1910-1913 chartered from Huddart, Parker Ltd, Melbourne, for Vancouver service. 1913 returned to owners. 6,660
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