Taharoa Express Rides Again!

Here are some pictures of Dave Sowman loading food supplies onto the “Taharoa Express” at Taharoa using pre-loaded cage baskets which we designed for the job. This contract at Taharoa which is on the West Coast between New Plymouth and Auckland is for New Zealand Steel Mining.



The ships take black sand which is surfaced mined by dredge from the local sand hills and transported to the ship which is tied up to a buoy about one mile offshore. The sand is pumped out through a pipe line in water mix slurry. The water then is drained from the ship overboard.


Generally the sand goes to China or Japan to make steel. This contract is the longest running contract in the HNZ Group, initially starting 36 years ago on 21 October 1962. This vessel is the largest ship that comes into New Zealand waters. Kudos to Jim Wilson for providing the write-up and photos.

HNZ on the Cover of The Oily Rag

It was our pleasure to have onboard Paul Hartigan and Peter Walker from Bay Engineers Supplies. They were here to present us with a framed copy of The Oily Rag - a monthly magazine that is specifically designed for engineers to order parts and supplies. Each month, they feature different photographs from New Zealand companies they distribute to.

This month we are honoured to have Bay Engineers highlight HNZ on the front cover. Devlin Williams, Supply Officer for HNZ NP, is presented with this fine plaque which is now hanging in both the Engineering spaces and the main entrance way to our establishment. Well done guys!!