Named after a NZ native tree, the Matai was built by R. & W. Hawthorn-Leslie and Co. in Hebburn-on-Tyne, completed in July 1930 and launched on 6 November 1930.
As well as servicing lighthouses, she was involved in laying cables in the 1930s. On 3 March 1941 she was requisitioned by the NZ navy and commissioned as a minesweeper on 1 April 1941. Matai took over as the flotilla leader of the 25th Minesweeping Flotilla from the Muritai and the flotilla began clearing a German minefield in the Hauraki Gulf. Decommissioning was on 25 April 1945.
The ship was used in its civilian role until 1965; from 1959 to 1963 as the ferry to Stewart Island. In 1963 she was sold to the Hong Kong Shipping Company and then to shipbreakers two years later. For more, see our books.
Original specifications:
Capacity weight: 1049 grt, 383 nrt
Length by breadth by depth: 219 (67 metres) x 35.1 (10.7 metres) x 13.6 ft.
Engines: 2 x Hawthorn Leslie triple expansion steam reciprocating (12.5, 21 & 35 x 26 inches) 178 nautical hp
Propulsion: 2 x screws
Speed: 10-13 knots (19-24 km/h)
Complement: 81
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