HDML Kuparu

on 12 Mar 2018

Fred asks

Hi Scott,

Can you please advise where Kuparu will be berthed over the next month or so? I would like to get a pic to include in my latest book on the Ships' Badges of the RNZN.

Thx, Fred

Scott

Hi Fred, HDML Kuparu is currently in Whangarei, and Weather permitting will bring her down to Auckland this week. She is booked in to be at the Navy open day at the Devonport Naval base on the 24th March . But please give me a call and happy to catch up. Scott 027 278 2542

on 5 Apr 2017

Rod asks

Hi Scott,

I have a reasonable set of photographs from her days in commission 1973-75 and also when she was laid up in 1988. These are all mounted in a book containing plans and dimensioned sketches for a 36in model which now graces my front hallway. Perhaps we can talk - I am on 021 519 212.

Rod

Scott

Thanks Rod, Those photos and information were great

on 4 Apr 2017

Rod asks

Hi Scott,

I was the last CO of Kuparu in her final regular fisheries commission and in command from October 1973 to May 1975. Some of us moved over to commissioning the new PC HMNZS Hawea. I had been told that Kuparu was dead on the shores of the Kaipara and had been burnt, so very pleased that you have her in hand.

Hopefully, I can follow with a donation.

Best wishes,

Rod Davies

Scott

Hi Rod, Great to hear from you. As you can tell from Facebook, I'm making progress. Yes Kuparu is on the Kaipara, and was realy ready for the scrap heap...it took a nutter like me to try to save her. Manga met her fate, on the Kaipara.and was finally crushed as beyond repair. The old Pakatoa ferry ( ex HDML ) was also on the Kaipara, which she burt out after a major refit. If you have photos, I would love to see them, as I am colating a photo album for Kuparu, along with its great seeing a bit of history.

on 25 Mar 2017

Peter asks

Hi Scott hows the restoration going please and can i come and see her?

Cheers Peter

Scott

Hi Peter, Yes its going well. Sorry just done a new update as been a while. I keep the Facebook page mainly up to date as I can do this from my phone. Our internet is beyond useless at home.

Give me a call or text on my Cell 027 278 2542. Im at the boat most days.