PM launches new boat

BY EMMA DANGERFIELD

Prime Minister John Key spent last Thursday in Kaikoura where he officially launched the latest addition to the Whale Watch Kaikoura fleet in Kaikoura, the new boat Wawahia.

This was the prime minister's first official visit to Kaikoura and the weather and hospitality certainly did not disappoint.

The day began with a powhiri at the Kaikoura Winery before the convoy headed to South Bay for the launch of the vessel, the Wawahia.

Ngai Tahu elder Sir Tipene O'Regan was among the party and conducted a karakia on board the vessel before Mr Key unveiled a plaque.

The group, including Kaikoura MP Colin King and Associate Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson, then set off to try out the new boat for a spot of whale watching.

The trip was successful with two whales sighted and conditions were perfect with calm seas and blue skies.

Mr Key was also treated to a spontaneous waiata from a group of Dannevirke school children who were aboard a neighbouring vessel and he spoke to them over the Wawahia's PA system which was a treat for both the prime minister and the visiting school.

Whale Watch Kaikoura chief operating officer, Kauahi Ngapora said it was significant to have Mr Key, who is also Minister of Tourism, launch the new vessel.

"It is an honour to host Mr Key, a significant acknowledgement for the important role tourism plays in the New Zealand economy.

"Tourism brings tens of thousands of visitors each year into the region and provides significant employment in Kaikoura.

"To have the prime minister here with us is fantastic for Whale Watch Kaikoura and our community."

The Wawahia is the sixth in Whale Watch Kaikoura's New Zealand fleet.

It was designed by Teknicraft Design and built by Q-West Boat builders in Wanganui at a cost of $2.5m, and is the first of a planned new generation fleet of whale watching vessels.

The boat boasts the first Volvo Penta D16 MH engine for commercial passenger vessel application and the first Volvo Penta D16 MH and Hamilton Jet Blue Arrow Control Integration system in New Zealand.

The name for the boat is hugely significant as it was the middle name of Rangi Solomon, the father of Whale Watch's founding figure the late Bill Solomon.

It was also the name of the company's first catamaran built in 1992.

Following the launch of the boat and the whale watching trip, Mr Key joined a group of 40 people at Donegal House, where they enjoyed lunch and a speech from Kaikoura Mayor Kevin Heays.

Mr Heays outlined the progress the town has made within the realm of tourism, and the influence the establishment of Whale Watch has had on the town, as well as the good relationship between the community and Te Runanga O Kaikoura.

- © Fairfax NZ News