Replacing An Old Workhorse: Farewell to Maroro
For 17 years, Maroro has been the backbone of Waikato’s navigation aid servicing around the Coromandel Peninsula. But now, Tūtaia—a 6.7-metre aluminium vessel weighing in at three tonnes—will take over these essential duties. Equipped with twin 140 hp Suzuki engines, Tūtaia has an impressive top speed of 40 knots and a cruising speed of 22 knots, allowing it to respond quickly and handle tasks across a broad area with ease.
Honouring History Through Tūtaia’s Name
Tūtaia takes its name from a prominent local chief, Te Paerata Toa Tūtaia, who lived during the early 19th century. As a skilled navigator and pilot, Chief Tūtaia played a crucial role in protecting and guiding those navigating the Hauraki waters. According to Ngāti Hei representative Matua Joe Davis, Tūtaia was a custodian of the bays and harbours of Hauraki, guiding boats safely to shore and conducting reconnaissance in times of conflict. The name symbolises vigilance and protection—qualities the vessel will embody as it navigates Waikato’s waterways.
Expanded Maritime Services: Meeting The Region’s Growing Needs
With the Waikato region’s population growing and recreational boating activity on the rise, the demand for enhanced maritime safety services has never been higher. Ngā Tai ki Uta councillor Kataraina Hodge, who also chairs the Environmental Performance Committee, emphasised the critical role of Tūtaia in supporting this mission.
“Our Maritime Services team is expanding to keep up with the needs of our community. Tūtaia will boost our ability to provide boating and navigational safety services, helping us meet the region’s increasing demands,” said Hodge.
Built For Maritime Duty: A Customised Catamaran By Kingfisher Boats
Constructed by Tauranga-based Kingfisher Boats and Powercats, Tūtaia was built with a focus on stability and durability. With a commercial design adapted to the unique requirements of the council’s Maritime Services, this catamaran is well-suited to handle a range of duties. The catamaran structure provides a stable platform, enhancing its operational range and allowing it to tackle more demanding weather conditions.
Regional Harbourmaster Chris Bredenbeck explained, “This vessel gives us a much larger, more stable platform to work from, which improves our ability to operate safely and efficiently.”
Equipped For Maintenance And Safety Patrols
Tūtaia will be responsible for maintaining over 900 navigational aids throughout the Waikato region, including around 100 seasonal buoys deployed and retrieved each summer. To assist with this work, the vessel is equipped with a davit capable of lifting up to 250 kg, enabling safe handling of heavy buoys and chains. This feature, combined with the vessel’s stability, enhances the team’s efficiency in servicing navigation aids that help boaters safely navigate Waikato’s waters.
“Tending to navigation aids requires a specialised approach. With the davit and our stable deck, we can manage this task more effectively, ensuring aids remain in position and in good condition,” said Bredenbeck.
Another practical feature is the self-draining deck, a necessity when handling marine growth-covered aids. This deck allows debris to be quickly washed off, keeping the workspace clear and safe.
Advanced Navigation And Enhanced Range
Tūtaia comes with modern navigational equipment, including radar and dual chart plotters, which will aid in accurate positioning and situational awareness. The twin-engine setup provides both power and redundancy, ensuring that the vessel can perform in rough seas and narrow inshore waterways alike. The enhanced fuel capacity, along with onboard amenities like a toilet, will allow for extended patrols, covering the Coromandel coast and reaching further destinations like the outer islands.
“We’ll be able to reach more remote areas and support a wider range of operations, from environmental assessments to vessel inspections,” noted Bredenbeck.
Multi-Functional Role: Supporting Safety, Training, And Inter-Agency Operations
Beyond maintenance, Tūtaia will play an active role in safety patrols and incident response across Waikato waters. With the summer season approaching, the vessel will contribute to Operation Neptune, the council’s seasonal boating safety programme. It will also serve as a mobile training platform for maritime staff, ensuring the team remains proficient and capable of handling a range of maritime scenarios.
The vessel’s versatility will support not only council initiatives but also collaborative efforts with partner agencies, including the police. “We’re looking forward to supporting inter-agency work,” said Bredenbeck, “whether it’s deploying police divers or transporting environmental specialists. Tūtaia is here to help us serve the region.”
A New Era In Maritime Operations
With Tūtaia officially launched and blessed, the vessel stands ready to serve as a vital part of Waikato Regional Council’s maritime toolkit. Its capabilities align with the council’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and community support, and its namesake honours a legacy of guardianship over Waikato’s waterways.
As councillor Warren Maher noted, “Our waterways are immensely popular with boaties, and having Tūtaia ready for the summer season is ideal. It’s a timely addition that will serve the region well for years to come.”
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