Waimarie: Use it or you'll lose it, trust warns

History has not been kind to PS Waimarie. Salvaged from mud in the Whanganui River, the iconic paddle steamer was almost sunk again by financial woes. But now there is renewed hope, with an interim trust established to right the stricken operation. Chairman Richard Moore explains what the future holds for Waimarie


THE PS Waimarie will be sailing on the Whanganui River by the middle of September.
That's the promise to the people of Wanganui from the chairman of the newly-appointed Waimarie transitional trust board.
But Richard Moore said Wanganui people must use the boat if they want to keep it.
Mr Moore said the board's initial focus is to get the Waimarie back on the river.
The historic paddle steamer, which dates from 1899, plied the Whanganui River for the first half of the 20th century, carrying passengers, cargo and mail. In 1952 she sank at her mooring in Wanganui and remained buried in mud and silt until 1993, when she was salvaged and restored.
She began cruising the river again between Wanganui and Upokongaro on January 1, 2000.
But in March this year the two trusts which run the Waimarie appealed to the Wanganui District Council for help, as dwindling passenger numbers saw the boat left with no money and facing a hefty bill for her 10-year survey.
One of the conditions of the council agreeing to help was that the trustees must resign and the mayor, Michael Laws, would appoint a new transitional trust.
The new trust, which will operate no later than June 30, had its first meeting on August 4. Mr Moore said with a lot to do to get the Waimarie sailing again, the trustees are meeting weekly.
The Waimarie must have her 10-year survey - like a warrant of fitness - completed before she can take to the water again. The cost of the survey is $193,000.
The Waimarie has received $70,000 from the council and $100,000 from the Powerco Wanganui Trust. The balance has been paid by the Whanganui Community Foundation. Mr Moore said the board had established two long-term focuses. "The first is to get the boat back on the river, and to keep it operating during its profitable summer months."
The second was to get more customers, and the board has put out a challenge to Wanganui residents.
"We know people are absolutely passionate about the boat - my phone has been running hot with ideas on how to improve things," Mr Moore said.
"But the boat needs to be well patronised. We'd like to see local businesses using the Waimarie for their Christmas functions, for example."
Mr Moore said the council was helping to source marketing people with a specific expertise in heritage tourism.
He acknowledged the public's complaint that a trip on the Waimarie was too expensive.
He said another problem was that "there's not much to do at Upokongaro".
"We're not sure how to solve that. As for the cost of travelling on the Waimarie, we haven't set a figure yet - it's still early days."
Another issue is that the boat only makes money for six months of the year.
Mr Moore said it was too early to say if the Waimarie will ever be financially self-sufficient.
"Our brief from the council is to advise on whether that's possible or not. But you've got to remember the Waimarie has been operating for more than a decade without any assistance at all."
Mr Moore said the council would not be involved in the day-to-day running of the Waimarie but would involve itself in governance matters.
"They will also be a catalyst for co-ordinating activities with the boat."
As for the future of the Waimarie's staff, Mr Moore said the board is hopeful they can be retained. "But it's something the trustees do have to look at, especially during off-peak times."
He said the board fully understood that, for the staff, working on the Waimarie was not just a job but a lifestyle.
"They've stayed through the tough times and have made a huge voluntary commitment and we are very grateful for that."
MEET THE TRUSTEES
RICHARD MOORE [chairman]: A lawyer and chairman of the Cooks Gardens transitional trust board
CHRISTINE JONES [deputy chairwoman]: Has been the director of a number of companies and has sat on numerous boards
ED BOYD: Runs H&A Print, is a member of the Wanganui Vintage Car Club and the Wanganui Antiquities Trust
RICHARD EMMETT: Runs Emmett Contractors and is the former chairman of the Waimarie trusts
MYLES FOTHERGILL: Runs Q-West and has expertise in marine vessels
DOT McKINNON: Wanganui's deputy mayor offers a council connection, runs the Kingsgate Hotel and has considerable tourism expertise
TREVOR STRONG: Runs Strong Electrical and has experience in maritime and events management

TELL US
As we celebrate the imminent return to the water of the PS Waimarie, we want to share your pictures and stories of this amazing steamer. If you have a memorable account of a voyage, or were involved in its salvage and restoration, we want to hear from you. Likewise, if you have ideas on how to ensure the PS Waimarie stays where it belongs - in Wanganui, and is a successful venture. Email items to editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz, post to PS Waimarie, the editor, Wanganui Chronicle, PO Box 433, Wanganui. Or phone 06 349 0717