Wellington’s historic floating steam crane, Hikitia, will return to its former glory with support from the NZ Lottery Grants Board.

The 82-year-old heavy-lifting crane, which is believed to be the oldest of its kind in the world still operating, is having a complete overhaul by some dedicated volunteers – with help from a $200,000 grant from the NZ Lottery Grants Board.

Built in Glasgow in 1926, Hikitia steamed her way to New Zealand at 7.5 knots.

She is capable of lifting in excess of 80 tonnes, and was utilised in Wellington harbour until 1990, when the port company decided she could retire gracefully.

She was bought by a couple, who restored her briefly before passing on ownership to the Maritime Heritage Trust.

Trust spokesperson Malcolm McGregor says it costs around $40,000 a year to run Hikitia, and although she has been “marginally self-sufficient” recently, most of their funding comes from local authorities and grants.

Hikitia’s sister ship, the Rapaki – built from the same set of drawings – is based in Auckland at the national maritime museum but is not a working ship, says Malcolm. The Rapaki is a museum ship, with displays and is often used as a classroom resource however, she could be returned to service with a little effort.

Europe has many “museum ships” and though some still work it’s “very rare”, which validates the effort put into Hikitia, he says.

“It’s unique in the world … it’s distinct … and provides a boost to the waterfront – and it works.”

Source: New Zealand Lotteries Commission

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