The Lighthouse

Gazing up at The Lighthouse here on Matiu/Somes Island, it’s hard to believe this seemingly quaint structure holds such a significant place in New Zealand’s maritime history. The Lighthouse wasn’t just a beacon of light; it was a symbol of safety and progress for Wellington Harbour. The harbour entrance was a treacherous place in the mid-1800s. Several maritime incidents prompted the Wellington Provincial Council to take action. Their solution was to build New Zealand’s first permanent lighthouse at Pencarrow Head in 1859. However, it soon became clear that another navigational aid was needed within the harbour itself. Thus, in 1865, The Lighthouse on Matiu/Somes Island was erected. It was the first inner harbour lighthouse in New Zealand. A six-room keeper’s house was built alongside the 14-foot cast iron tower, imported all the way from England. The light officially shone for the first time on 17 February 1866. It burned colza oil, casting a white light down the channel’s center and red or green lights on either side. By 1895, a brighter light was needed. A new lighthouse on Matiu/Somes Island, visible for 16 miles, replaced the original. The old tower found a new home at Jack’s Point in Timaru. The new light initially ran on paraffin oil. This wasn’t very efficient. It was later upgraded to an incandescent burner vaporizing pressurized oil. Eventually, it was further improved to use acetone acetylene gas. After World War II, The Lighthouse was finally converted to electricity generated on the island. Life as a lighthouse keeper was solitary. From 1866 to 1924, keepers lived on the island, watching for ships in distress. The first keeper, William Lyall, transferred from Pencarrow. The longest-serving keeper, William Achison, served an impressive term from 1871 to 1910. Supplies for the keepers and their families arrived in the bay below The Lighthouse. A tramway hauled these supplies up the hill. The Lighthouse was automated in 1924. The surrounding settlement buildings were then removed. The light, however, continues to shine today, a testament to its enduring importance.