Help Us Restore Our Heritage Ship (Scow Success)
A project to preserve our maritime heritage (New Zealand's last commercially built trading scow
Kaiapoi, Canterbury
In 2022 the reformed Alwin G Heritage Trust purchased one of the very few remaining New Zealand trading scows the Success (formally the Alwin G) saving her from being broken up. The vessel was transported by road from Nelson to Kaiapoi in June and is currently up on blocks adjacent to the Kaiapoi River. The plan is to restore her to as near original condition as possible to be used as an education tool to help celebrate the history of New Zealand river trading at the site of the historic Kaiapoi River Port.
About us
Alwin G Heritage Trust was set up in 2016 with the aim of purchasing and restoring one of New Zealand's last wooden trading scows. Scows were trucks of sea and played an important role in the transport of freight around NZ from the 1800's to 1970's. In August 2024 the Alwin G Heritage Trust changed its name to Kaipuke Kaiapoi Heritage Trust
Use of funds
The money raised will ultimately go to the restoration/ rehabilitation of one of New Zealand's last remaining trading scows. If we are unsuccessful in raising the full amount the money raised will be used to pay for a professional conservation plan.
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Latest update
Kaipuke Kaiapoi Heritage Trust (Scow Success) October News letter (Abridged) 29 October 2024
Thank you for showing an interest in the restoration of the scow Success.
A significant chapter in New Zealand’s maritime history is set to be preserved, as the restoration of the historic scow, Success, has officially been given the green light. The Waimakariri District Council has granted the Kaipuke Kaiapoi Charitable Trust a five-year license to occupy the current site on the north bank of the Kaiapoi River, despite future plans for a car park. This decision clears the way for restoration work to begin in earnest, bringing new life to one of the last surviving vessels of her kind.
Much of the restoration work will be carried out by volunteers, with guidance from experienced shipwrights.
David Morgan of DGI Morgan, a commercial builder based in Rangiora and a shipwright in Lyttelton, has been appointed as the principal contractor and advisor “David’s technical knowledge and hands-on experience are invaluable, especially since we are relying on volunteer efforts for much of the work,”. The trust is committed to minimising environmental impact throughout the restoration process.
For further information or to support the restoration project:
Contact: Graham Robertson
Kaipuke Kaiapoi Charitable Trust
Email: Graham@ScowSuccess.org.nz
Website: https://scowsuccess.org.nz/
Join us in saving a piece of New Zealand’s maritime history.
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