HISTORY

In the early 1930’s a man called Jerry Williams owned a small vessel, the OMOKOROA.

Local people started pressuring him to take them out on fishing trips, and it soon became apparent that a purpose-built charter boat would be ideal for fishing trips and to also take over the barging work which was very necessary on the harbour in those days.

RATAHI, Tauranga’s first charter boat was built in 1938 by Jerry Williams, specifically for running line-fishing trips out of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui and providing a ferry service to Mayor Island and Motiti Island. In 1988 Hugh and Raewyn Ensor purchased her and had a happy and fruitful 31 years operating her out of Whakatane and then Tauranga. In 2019 she was sold and operated in the Manukau Harbour providing a ferry/sightseeing service in the harbour. In 2025 she again came up for sale again Raewyn and Hugh’s daughter Sarah saw an opportunity to purchase a beloved family icon and return her to her old home, Tauranga. She is again operating day trips out reef fishing and offering cruises in the harbour and out to the local islands.

In 1978 the TE KUIA was commissioned by Jerry and ran the fishing and Island services. In 1989 she was purchased by Raewyn and Hugh who operated her doing day reef fishing trips and charters for groups of up to 35 people.  The vessel was set up to do overnight trips for up to 10 people with accommodation on board, specialising in overnight bluenose fishing around Mayor Island. in 2023 she was sold and now operates as a ferry in the Bay of Islands.

OHORERE was launched in 1965, having been built for the Ministry of Fisheries as the chase boat. In the 80’s she was sold and was used as a private vessel based in Auckland. In 1994 Raewyn and Hugh purchased her, put her back in survey and operated her out of Whakatane and later Tauranga doing day charters and overnighters. She has recently undergone a major makeover and is again available to book for charters.