2023 Wreath Laying Ceremony
On Friday 10 March 2023, Ōtaki College held its annual SS Otaki Wreath Laying Ceremony. Distinguished guests included Her Worship the Mayor, Janet Holborow, Mr Rawiri Rikihana, representing Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki, representatives of the merchant navy and related organisations, the New Zealand Shipping Company, the Durham Association, the Royal NZ Navy, Royal NZ Air Force, representatives from the British and German Embassies and the Ōtaki RSA.
The ceremony holds a special place in the College calendar as it serves to introduce younger students to the concepts of courage and bravery - not just in war but in everyday life. This year’s ceremony also honoured the 150 Year anniversary of the founding of the New Zealand Shipping Company.
The New Zealand Shipping Company (NZSCo) was established in 1873 by a group of Christchurch businessmen primarily to operate passenger and cargo services between the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The company gradually established a fleet of ships named after geographical landmarks which were recognised by their Māori names. From 1875 the livery consisted of black hulls, white superstructure and yellow funnels.
In 1912, an agreement was reached with another shipping company, the Federal Steam Navigation Company, which was absorbed into the NZSCo. However, the Federal Steam Navigation Company continued to trade as a separate concern, the ships retained their distinctive house flag and they continued to be named after English counties. The amalgamation of the two companies provided the newly structured NZSCo with a firm foothold in the Australian trade.
The next change came in September 1916, when the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O) acquired a controlling interest in the company. During the next 56 years, the NZSCo made a huge contribution to the economy until, in 1971, it was incorporated into P&O’s general cargo division.
