Radio Hauraki Gets Another Ship

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31595, 5 February 1968, Page 14

Radio Hauraki Gets Another Ship

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, February 4.

Auckland’s radio pirates have taken over another ship. Arrangements were almost complete tonight for Radio Hauraki to buy the 169-ton wooden coaster Kapuni to replace the Tiri.

“We will be on the air in a month,” said Mr D. G. Gapes, the managing director, as final agreement was reached tonight.

Radio Hauraki is now only awaiting approval from an insurance company in London before taking over the Kapuni.

Today Radio Hauraki staff began cleaning up the 104 ft long Kapuni ready to begin conversion to a floating radio station as soon as she officially becomes theirs.

Mr Gapes said a 160 ft antenna would be built on the Kapuni to give better reception.

“The ship will go on the Auckland Harbour Board slipway on Wednesday for inspection, cleaning and painting.” he said. “We should be on the air in a month quite comfortably.” The Kapuni was built at Auckland in 1909. She is powered by four enines coupled through a gearbox to a single propeller shaft. Tomorrow the Tiri will be taken off the harbour board slipway and taken to Wynyard Wharf where her machinery will be removed. Captain G. W. Dunsford. representing the insurance company involved, said the hull would then be taken to St Mary’s Bay until a decision on its future was made by the insurance company.