Built at Whangateau, 1908
The Jane Gifford was built in 1908 by Davey Darroch at Whangateau, initially to cart granite from mines in Coromandel to Auckland. She is 19.8 metres length on deck, has a 6 metre beam and a displacement of 60 tonnes.
A working life on the Mahurangi
Based in Warkworth from 1921 to about 1938, she carted shell from Miranda in the Firth of Thames to the cement works on the banks of the Mahurangi River. For a number of years she also carried road metal from the Public Works Department quarry at Motutara Island — just off Algies Bay — to Warkworth for building the area's roads, and transported stock to and from Great Barrier Island and occasionally Little Barrier Island.
Years away
She moved to the Tamaki River in Auckland from about 1938 in search of work and in later years was owned by Subritsky Shipping. In 1980 the Waiuku Museum Trust acquired her as a powered barge and took her to Waiuku on the Manukau Harbour to be restored back to sail.
Restored — and lost again
Rebuilt and launched in about 1992, she sailed for about seven years until she no longer passed survey because of rot in the old deck and hull. A new macrocarpa deck had been laid over the existing kauri deck; fresh water made its way through and, with a lack of ventilation, rot set in.
Saved by Warkworth
In 2001 a new Jane Gifford Trust bought the vessel and moved her to Okahu Bay, but not enough money could be raised to repair the extensive damage and work stopped. Then in 2005 a group of Warkworth residents bought the near-derelict scow to save her from ‘extinction’ and brought her home to Warkworth on a house-moving trailer.
Sailing today
More than a century after she was launched, the Jane Gifford is once again sailing local waters — and is available for private charter, weddings and special events.
Sail on the Jane Gifford
For charters, weddings and special events, phone Dave on (09) 425 5006 or (027) 484 9935.
Find out moreVisit the Jane Gifford website