Published Monday, 30 June 2025
Lyttelton Port Company blessed its new pilot launch, Terra Nova, at Te Ana Marina on June 19.
Joanne Farmer, a long-service pilot known for her distinguished career, conducted the ceremonial bottle-breaking for the vessel, which has joined the marine fleet to support around 1800 vessel movements per year conducted by LPC Pilots.
Joanne Farmer says she was honoured to be asked to perform the naming and blessing ceremony for Terra Nova.
“The Terra Nova is truly a state-of-the-art pilot launch and will ensure that her pilots and crew can safely and comfortably carry out pilot transfers,” said Joanne.
The vessel built by Hart Marine is a self-righting boat fitted with infrared cameras, improved person-overboard recovery systems, CCTV, and a full vessel monitoring system.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger, speaking at the blessing, recognised Lyttelton Port’s importance for the Canterbury economy.
“This is the heart of the maritime economy and a crucial part of who we are as a city,” said Phil Mauger.
“Marine pilots are crucial navigators of our region; they guide every large vessel safely into port, a task that requires skill, courage, and deep local knowledge… they keep Canterbury’s main trade gateway open and moving,” said Mauger.
LPC Pilot Matthew Conyers said Terra Nova had a big name to live up to.
Her namesake, Terra Nova, had a strong historical connection with Lyttelton during Scott’s Antarctic explorations in the early 1900s.
“Growing up in a place like this, I understand how the names and stories of the past become part of the fabric of the place and community,” said Matthew Conyers.
Mathew said the pilot boat has evolved beyond recognition, and ironically, the only piece of equipment Scott would recognise is the pilot ladder hanging over the side of the ship.
“In a hundred years, we’ve gone from an oar-driven clinker boat to this thing of beauty that you see here in front of you,” said Matthew.
Terra Nova will be operational by the end of June when trials and training have been completed.