Tributes for Russell’s Bill Elliott, beloved skipper and storyteller, dies at 80

Bill Elliott is remembered for his keen sense of humour and adventure.

Northland skipper Bill Elliott is being remembered by his family for his sense of humour, storytelling, barefoot ways, and passion for rock-fishing.

Tributes are pouring in for the much-loved “true icon of Russell” who was critically injured when his ferry was hit by a power boat in the Bay of Islands two years ago.

Elliott, who turned 80 in July, died in the early hours of Sunday morning surrounded by family.

He is survived by his wife Lois, seven children and 10 grandchildren.

His eldest daughter Kathleen Elliott said her dad’s health had taken a downturn in the last few days.

She recalled her father’s keen sense of humour and adventure.

Fondly known as “Barefoot Bill” because he didn’t like wearing shoes, Elliott was also known as a community stalwart with a huge heart who would do anything for anyone.

“He loved to make people laugh and he loved to have debates with people,” Kathleen said.

“He always had humour in everything he did.

“He said to us over and over he’s had such a good life, and he lived it the way he wanted to, and he’d done everything he’d wanted to.”

Elliott was critically injured when his 90-year-old vessel, the Waitere, better known as the Blue Ferry, was hit by a high-speed powerboat in 2023.

The ferry was carrying 19 passengers from Russell to Paihia when the Onepoto impacted the Waitere, causing it to sink.

Elliott suffered severe head and spinal injuries and was left paralysed.

Passengers on the stricken Waitere are helped onto another ferry. The damaged vessel sank about an hour after the April 2023 collision. Photo / Elliot Bexon

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission later found watchkeeping standards not providing safe navigation, a distracted skipper, and speed were among the contributing factors to the collision.

Elliott’s injuries had long-term effects on his health and left him requiring full-time care.

After the accident his son Jack took over the business with a new boat called Te Kuia, which is still known as the Blue Ferry.

Bill Elliott has died, two years after his ferry was hit by a power boat in the Bay of Islands.

Originally from Wellington, Elliott lived in the windy city until his late 20s.

When he met Lois, the couple travelled to Australia fossicking for sapphires and goldmining and generally “having adventures, camping and moving onto the next spot”.

Once the couple had kids they settled in Russell, building their home at Tapeka Point.

“When he first built it, it was going to be a spec house but he said the location [on Rocky Beach] was so fabulous he couldn’t give it up,” Kathleen said.

“He was a keen rock fisherman, that’s what he absolutely loved to do; walk out to the rocks and fish, or take the wave ski out for a paddle and catch fish that way.

“The view is stunning; he fell in love with that spot and never left.”

Before he owned the Blue Ferry, Elliott was a builder who was used to physical labour, and he also dabbled in real estate, Kathleen said.

He bought the ferry in the late 1990s.

Kathleen said her dad was “as tough as they come”.

“Mum said the reason he survived the last two years was good health and a positive outlook.

“He was really tough.”

A memorial to celebrate his life will be held at Russell Town Hall on August 31 at 11am.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Kathleen thanked “all of the Russell community and friends far and wide who’ve given their support to mum and dad since the accident”.

“We’ve had an endless stream of visitors coming through which delighted dad and lifted his spirits.

“We’re grateful for their support and care.”

Kathleen also thanked her dad’s carers Chris and Page, and the local GP, who was “fantastic” and who also liked to go barefoot.

Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.