Kia Ora - A vessel unblessed by Lady Luck

"I christen you Kia Ora; may you have good luck." 

Those were the words spoken by Mrs W. Jagger when she christened the brand new yawl rigged yacht "Kia Ora" at her launching on 14 October 1903 from Stanley Bay on the North Shore of Auckland.

Built by the firm of  Bailey and Lowe Kia Ora was destined for greater things if her new Captain Horace E. Buckridge had his way. She had been launched with pomp and ceremony with the news, that she would be soon to sail around the globe to London where he intended to put her on display. He then planned to have her exhibited at the World's Fair in St Louis Missouri USA - where Buckridge intended to sell her to American interests.

She was not a large sailing vessel her dimensions were given in the contemporary newspaper reports of the time as: 

"... a yacht of 2½ tons, 22ft overall. 6ft’ 6in beam, with a depth of 3ft 6in aft, and graduating forward. It was built (so far as the woodwork was concerned) entirely of New Zealand woods and had a lead keel of  7½ cwt."  

Kia Ora was a vessel though destined to have a run of bad luck and a death would be added to her story a mere few months after her launching. She was supposed to be a challenger for the ocean - but instead Old Man Sea was to decree otherwise.

Horace Edgar Buckridge her captain had an intriguing background. A veteran of the Boer War he had made it to the rank of Sergeant Major, and after the war had been asked by Robert Falcon Scott to join him on the Discovery Antarctic Expedition (1901-1903). A check into the team Scott took with him reveals the name H.E. Buckridge - position Laboratory assistance. It seemed to me an unglamorous position - however Buckridges own words when he was interviewed by the 'Truth'  (Otago Witness 15 April 1903) he himself had said the boredom of being stuck on board the Discovery was a monotony. He had returned to Lyttleton on the ship Morning in March of 1903 to start a new venture.

He met up with Captain Voss who had been sailing the small craft Tilikum on an around the world sailing voyage. Voss was exhibiting the craft and Buckridge soon joined him on a lecture tour. Voss spoke of his journey with the Tilikum (described as a four ton 'Indian War Canoe') and Buckridge gave his account of his experiences of the Antarctic ice and of his time on board the Discovery.

TWO MEN IN A BOAT. Arrival of the Tilikum. It is not within the memory of the oldest resident of Feilding, nor is it ever likely to be repeated, " a deep sea ship in the Drill Hall," yet this is what will happen on Wednesday, when the tiny Tilikum, an Indian war canoe, hewn from a log of cedar, 4 tons, 6ft beam, 82ft on the water line, and drawing only 18in water, will be placed on exhibition.

This diminutive craft had sailed 12,870 miles when she reached Wellington, and must do 17,000 more before she has hauled down the Stars and Stripes, and runs up that British flag, the Canadian Ensign. For you see she is beating the American yacht Spray, 14 tons, 12ft beam, which holds the proud distinction of being the smallest vessel that ever girdled this old globe of ours.

Capt. Voss and Mr Luxton, a journalist, left Victoria, B.C., on the 21st May, 1901,on the most intrepid journey the world has ever known for the circumnavigation of the globe in a canoet For three times the little ship was driven back to the friendly shelter of Cape Flattery, on the rock-bound Canadian coast, through gales that blew with cyclone fury, and she did not finally start until the 6th July. Then 58 days were spent at sea until the Penlaylow Island was reached ; here 17 days were spent amongst the natives,and sail was set for Suva, calls being made at the Danger Group, Humphrey Islands, where the R.R. Dr Wallis, Bishop of Wellington, went on board the tiny voyager.

 At Suva Mr Luxton left, and Mr Louis Begant joined as mate, and then came trouble. Begant lost his balance, fell over the side, and was never afterwards seen, unfortunately taking the compass with him. Captain Voss was then alone on the vast Pacific no mate, no compass, nothing to guide him but the stars ; this happened five days out from Suva, but this plucky mariner shaped a course for Sydney, 1200 miles, meeting gale after gale, little rest, nothing but anxious watching.

 On the 23rd day he arrived off the Sydney Heads in an exhausted condition. Sydney went frantic, thousands of people seeing this plucky mariner and his tiny craft. After staying a month in the doctor's care he loft for Newcastle,and then sailed for Melbourne ; in the latter place she fell from a crane, and was so badly damaged as to cause a delay of five months for repairs. Thence she visited Ballarat, 1400 ft above sea level. Back to Geelong, sail was set for Adelaide, and afterwards for Hobart, Tasmania. 

Across the Tasman Sea awful weather was experienced, and gale after gale met, five days and no hot food was ate. The stove being smashed on the 11th day, anchor was cast in the new river estuary, a happy relief from battling with the elements. The voyage around the coast was not without some incident, but then as we said we could not give a detailed account, and Captain Voss will tell you himself in a homely style his adventurous career, and explain the use of that wonderful device the sea anchor. 

Associated with Captain Voss as mate is a remarkable man, Mr H. E. Buckridge; he has been prospector, trooper, explorer, seaman, pearl fisher, etc., was in the last south Polar expedition, in fact only left the ice last March, having been relieved by the Morning. For fifteen months he was in the Discovery, and was one of six men that explored the interior of the Antarctic Continent. Captain Voss and Mr Buckridge lecture on Wednesday.

 Fielding Star 16 May 1903 

With his association with Voss, Buckridge had a dose of the 'I'll out do you' fever. Somewhere along the way he had parted company with his friend and decided he too would try sailing around the world in a small craft. His announcement in August 1903 was reported with much interest.

A RIVAL TO CAPTAIN VOSS.
An Attempt to Outdo the Tilikum. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, August 31.
 An attempt to out-do Captain Voss's feat of sailing the Indian canoe Tilikum around the world will be made by Mr Horace Buckridge, late of the Discovery, and for a, few months mate of the Tilikum.

Bailey and Lowe, of Auckland, boat-builders, have commenced to build a craft not exceeding two and a-half tons measurement, resembling partly a lifeboat and partly a yacht in appearance. Mr Buckridge hopes to start in six weeks, sailing around the Horn direct to London, without calling at any intermediate ports, unless compelled by bad weather,
Then he makes for America , hoping to exhibit the craft at the St. Louis Exhibition next year.

Wanganui Herald 31 August 1903 

Bailey and Lowe were a major shipwright firm of the day. Their yard was based in Customs Street West in what is now Downtown Auckland. The Kia Ora as she would be soon named was their work. With the publicity surrounding Buckridge's grand schemes, 400 spectators turned up to see the small yacht launched ready for her circumnavigation of the globe. The champagne bottle was broken upon her hull and she was duly christened - to begin a sailing career of mishap and bad luck.

THE KIA ORA.
Stanley Bay was visited by at least 400 people yesterday afternoon, when Mr. Buckridge's yacht the Kia Ora took the water for the first time, the launching ceremony being performed by Mrs. W. Jagger, who, in breaking the champagne bottle on the vessel's counter, said:

 "I christen you Kia Ora; may you have good luck."

Loud and prolonged cheering was then indulged in.

When the vessel was nearly afloat a slight accident to the skids caused her to overbalance, but as she had some way on she shot out into deep water and quickly righted. The boat was taken alongside the wharf, where she was boarded by her owner, Mr. Buckridge, and Messrs. Percy Isaacs, E. Davies, Bailey and Lowe. The vessel was taken in tow for a short distance by an oil launch, and was then made fast to her moorings.

Mr. Buckridge told our representative that he was very well pleased with the way in which Messrs. Bailey and Lowe had carried out their contract, adding that special attention had been paid to strength in her build. Mr. Brandt, of Gisborne, will go with, Mr. Buckridge as mate on his long voyage, joining the boat at Gisborne.

The Kia Ora will leave St. Helier's Bay on Sunday afternoon at three o'clock. Captain Buckridge will be the only occupant of the boat as far as Gisborne, which will be the only port touched at until arrival at London. After leaving Gisborne it is proposed to make a straight course, east by south, for Cape Horn, which should be rounded six or seven weeks later. Between eight and twelve weeks after that the captain hopes to reach London. Should necessity arise, through shortness of provisions or illness, the boat will call in at Rio de Janeiro, Monte Video, of Pernainbuco.

The Kia Ora will be exhibited in London for about two months. She will then recross the Atlantic, and Captain Buckridge hopes to reach America in time to exhibit her at the St. Louis Exhibition in August next year. This, he explains, is the real object of the expedition, as he is very anxious of advertising the colony. Mr Buckridge may return to Auckland in his tiny craft, but it is more than probable that he will dispose of her while in America.

Auckland Star 15 October 1903

Five days after her accident prone launching, the Kia Ora was sailed out of the Hauraki Gulf headed for Gisborne further south on the east coast to pick up seaman Harry Brandt. 

 KIA ORA SAILS FOR GISBORNE.
 (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day.
Mr Buckridge, formerly with the Discovery in the Antarctic, left for Gisborne yesterday in the Kia Ora, a craft of two and a-half tons, in which he intends to make the trip round the world. He goes hence to Gisborne, where he picks up Harry Brandt, a seaman who accompanies him to London via Cape Horn.

The Kia Qra weighs only 7 cwt, and is therefore considerably smaller than the Tilikum (four tons), which is now circumnavigating the globe under command of Captain Voss, and the American yacht Spray (13 tons) which performed the hazardous task some time since. The Kia Ora is no bigger than the ordinary small yacht seen about Auckland, and should her master: be successful in piloting her safely to London he will have performed a feat hitherto unaccomplished in so small a boat. She is only 22ft in length, and her beam is 6ft 6in, but the builders, Messrs Bailey and Lowe, have excelled themselves in turning but a craft that probably could not be improved on for the task she is set to accomplish.

The Kia Ora is a perfect model of buoyancy and strength. She is built of the choicest timber, and is copper fastened throughout. Every plank is worked its full length from stem to stern, so that there is not a "but" in the whole craft, despite the fact that the model is full and shapely. So long as the. craft floats it will be impossible for her to break up, however severe may be the gale encountered; there will be enough lend on  her keel to keep her upright; she cannot take on board much sea-water, and there is an automatic device for returning it to the ocean. The main danger is being driven upon  a lee shore, but with the sails provided, and good steering gear, Mr Buckeridge feels very confident m trusting his life to his craft. — Star.

Poverty Bay Herald 19 October 1903

The unpredictable weather of the Hauraki Gulf however soon saw a report of the Kia Ora being stranded at Point Rodney (now Cape Rodney) near Leigh. Buckridge abandoned her believing she was a complete loss. News was soon sent around the nation that all was not well with the first attempt to sail out of the Hauraki Gulf.

KIA ORA ASHORE.
STRANDED ON POINT RODNEY.
NO LIVES LOST.
Lloyd's agent here this morning received a telegram from Mr Leigh, of Little Omaha, stating that the yacht Kia Ora, which left Auckland on Sunday for Gisborne, was ashore at Point Rodney. The telegram gave no details as to how the mishap occurred or the extent of the damage to the vessel, but stated that no lives were lost. The Kia Ora was in charge of Mr Buckeridge, formerly connected with the Discovery, Antarctic expedition, and he had with, him Mr Percy Isaac, licensee of the Royal Hotel, the arrangement being that the latter should leave the Kia Ora at Gisborne, and make room for a seaman named Harry Brandt, with whom Mr Buckeridge proposed to proceed to London via Cape Horn. It is difficult to understand how the Kia Ora got ashore at Point Rodney, but probably she was driven considerably, out of her course by adverse gales.

Auckland Star 20 October 1903

The Kia Ora.WRECKED AT POINT RODNEY.LITTLE HOPE OF SAVING THE BOAT(By Electric Telegraph.)
Auckland, October 20. Lloyd's agent here this morning received a telegram from Little Omaha stating that the yacht Kia Ora, which left Auckland on Sunday for Gisborne, was ashore at Point Rodney. The telegram gave no details as to how the mishap occurred or the extent of the damage to the vessel, but states that no lives were lost.

The Kia Qra was in charge of Mr Buckridge, formerly connected with the Discovery Antarctic expedition, and he had with him Mr Percy Isaac, licensee of the Royal Hotel, the arrangement being that the latter should leave the Kia Ora at Gisborne and make room for a seaman named Harry Brandt, with whom Mr Buckridge proposed to proceed to London, via Cape Horn. It is difficult to understand how the Kia Ora got ashore at Point Rodney, but probably she was driven considerably, out of her course by adverse gales.

Mr J. M. Buckeridge wired this afternoon as follows:—
" Kia Ora missed stays and got in breakers; now on rocks at Point Rodney. Both safe and unhurt. Weather too bad for steamer to call. Both had Very anxious time. Little hope of saving the boat."

Ohinemuri Gazette 21 October 1903

THE KIA ORA'S MISHAP.
MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.
Mr Buckeridge's story of the wreck of the Kia Ora is as follows:—
“ We were blown from the lee of Great Barrier Island, and endeavored to make South Channel, Kawau Island, under  the cabin was half full of water, and the pump was choked, of us had had food or sleep since starting. Owing to the yawing of the boat and the tremendous sea, we could not steer our course, but had to run before the gale. About us was very foggy weather, which, when lifting, disclosed our position to be off Rodney Point, Omaha. We tried to weather the point, but failed. We were caught by breakers and washed on to the shore, miraculously escaping the jagged rooks all round. We have been royally entertained by Mr and Mrs Tenetahi."

Marlborough Express 23 October 1903

The yacht was later to be found high and dry on the rocks. Walter Bailey of Bailey and Lowe heded up from Auckland to see to her repairs for the journey back to Auckland. Locals at Leigh refloated her and took her back to the shelter of the Leigh Harbour to await the repairs. 

Mr Harper, Lloyd's agent at Leigh, Omaha, says: — "I saw a small boat approaching Maori Island, at the entrance to Omaha Harbour, and seeing that it was impossible for her to round the point, I waited to see what those on board intended to do. Finding that no attempt was made to head her out to sea and Knowing that she must go on to the rocks, I, with several others, hastened to render what assistance we could, and on reaching- the yacht found that it was the Kia Ora. The yacht was stranded on the beach and was nearly high and dry. It was low water at the time, and myself and the other settlers worked her up to above high water mark, and made her safe by tying her to the flax. The yacht had a small hole in her side, and appeared to be badly strained. On visiting the yacht again I found that the heavy sea had done her little or no damage during the night, and probably when the sea moderates she will be got off safely. Yesterday Mr Buckridge telegraphed to Messrs Bailey and Lowe, the builders of the yacht, stating, that the Kia Ora was high up on the beach, with, a small hole in her side. Mr Walter Bailey leaves for Omaha to-day to make an examination of the yacht, and see what repairs are necessary.

Taranaki Herald 24 October 1903

Once in Auckland she was fully repaired ready to recommence her voyage with her captain at the helm.

The repairing of the yawl-rigged yacht Kia Ora, which went ashore at Point Rodney on Tuesday week last whilst on a voyage from Auckland to London, was completed at Stanley Bay, North Shore, to-day. The damage to the boat herself is only slight. The replacing of the stores destroyed by water is the more expensive. Mr. Brandt, who will be mate of the tiny vessel, arrived from Gisborne to-day. Mr. Buckridge anticipates resuming the voyage for London on Saturday or Sunday.

Auckland Star 29 October 1903

It seemed though her run of bad luck wasn't about to leave the vessel. Yet another mishap had her laid up this time with a broken mast at Stanley Bay.

Bad luck seems to follow the little yacht, Kia Ora, which is to make the voyage from Auckland to London. After getting ashore at Point Rodney, the yacht was brought down to Auckland, and some necessary repairs affected, and everything got in readiness for her to sail on her long voyage. On Sunday evening, whilst coming up to the wharf at Stanley Bay, North Shore, after being out for a sail, the yacht was carried under the wharf, with the result that the mast was broken. Repairs are now being effected, and Mr Buckridge expects to be ready for sea in a few days.

Wairarapa Daily Times 7 November 1903

The yacht Kia  Ora, which left; Auckland a fortnight ago for London in charge of Mr Buckeridge, and was driven ashore at Cape Rodney two days afterwards, has been refloated and will make another start for Europe in a week or so.

           

 Nelson Evening Mail 7 November 1903

Buckridge's own run of good luck was soon to run out. He finally made it to Gisborne to pick up Harry Brandt. Instead Brandt decided he wouldn't be sailing around the world with Horace Buckridge. His replacement was George Sowden who sailed out with him on what was meant to be the adventure of a lifetime. 300 miles beyond the Chatham Islands Horace Buckridge lost his life. Sowden sailed the Kia Ora single handedly back to port at Gisborne to relay the mournful news of the adventurer's passing.

Mournful End of the Voyage.

Death of Captain Buckridge,

Per Press Association

GISBORNE, December 23

The yacht Kia Ora., which.sailed from here for London, returned to port this morning in charge of young Sowden, who reports that his companion, Captain Buckridge, died on December 7, when 300 miles beyond the Chathams.

THE YACHT KIA ORA.Buckeridge's Sad Fate.A Remarkable CareerThe tragic death of Buckeridge, of the yacht Kia Ora in mid-ocean on the other side of the Chathams on 3rd December, ended a life which has abounded in adventure. He was an Englishman about 33 years of age, and fought on the British side in the Boer War. While there he was offered a position on the Antarctic exploration ship, the Discovery, which he accepted.
 He took part in the expedition, and returned to Lyttelton. While there he came across Captain Voss, of the Tilikum; the little four-tonner which holds the record  for dangerous ocean travelling, and he became Captain Voss' mate. Together they brought the little craft to Auckland, and then Buckeridge created a sensation by crossing the geyser at Waimangu in a small boat, accompanied by Guide Warbrick, and took soundings. The building of the Kia Ora was arranged for. It is a yacht of 2½ tons, 22ft overall. 6ft’ 6in beam, with a depth of 3ft 6in aft, and graduating forward. It was built (so far as the woodwork was concerned) entirely of New Zealand woods and had a lead keel of  7½ cwt. The yacht was launched on October 15.
She was loaded up with concentrated foods and 95 gallons of water. The water was made to serve the purpose of ballast, and as it was used up it was intended to replace it with salt water. The water was estimated to be sufficient for two men for 280 days, but it was hoped to catch a good quantity of rain water occasionally to replenish the supply. The cockpit was lined with zinc for salt-water baths, and this could also be used for collecting rain water.
Buckeridge proposed to sail straight for London, via Cape Horn, calling in only at Slaten Island.  The trip would occupy four or five months.  In London he would exhibit the yacht for a month or two, and he would then cross the Atlantic in time to attend the St. Louis exhibition. Buckeridge left Auckland in due course for Gisborne, where he was to pick up his mate. Mr Isaacs, of Auckland, accompanied him, intending to go as far as Gisborne, and see him on for his voyage to London. In the attempt to make Gisborne, however, they encountered very heavy seas, and the salt water played havoc with their provisions. They endeavoured to gain the shelter of the Barrier, but were foiled, and finally, missing stays near Point Rodney, went ashore. Both men got safely to land, and the yacht, which was only slightly damaged, was brought back to Auckand for repairs. Another start was made and this time she arrived safely.

At Gisborne she picked up the mate, Mr Sowden. But the Marine Department forbade the ocean trip, on the ground that Buckeridge did not possess an ocean certificate. He however, obtained permission to proceed to Wellington and endeavour to induce the authorities there to remove the objection. Once in the open sea, however, he seems to .have changed his mind,' and started for London, the voyage being interrupted by the accident above recorded, resulting in Buckeridge's death.

 Mr Buckeridge was engaged to be married to Miss Leonore Graham, of Masterton, who is now residing in Auckland, it is understood that he made his will before he sailed and left Miss Graham an interest in the vessel.

Wanganui Herald 29 December 1903

1904

At the beginning of 1904 the Nautical enquiry was held into the death of Horace Buckridge formerly of the captain of the yacht Kia Ora

THE KIA ORA INQUIRY.Sowden's  Evidence.(Per United Press Association.)  GISBORNE, January 7.
The Magisterial enquiry concerning cruise of the Kia Ora and the death of Captain Buckridge commenced to-day, before Mr Barton, S.M., and Captain Chrisp, nautical assessor. W. J Hawley, Collector of Customs, detailed the circumstances, and called the survivor, George Henry J Sowden,  whose evidence bore out the narrative previously given. --.
 In reply to the collector, he said :

"I knew when I left Auckland I was going to London. When we left Auckland we intended to, go to Gisborne first. After leaving Gisborne our intention was to go to London. When the accident happened, I was below. I was not well at the time. The main boom had come over while I was sitting at the tiller, and struck him on the head. I did not give Buckridge anything to try and ease his pain. I do not know whether he took anything out of the medicine chest which was on board. I did not open his clothes to examine his body .after death.  His vest was open at the time, but I saw no marks upon it. From the time we left Auckland we were on the very best of terms."

Replying to the Magistrate, witness said he heard Mr Hawley tell Buckridge he would not be allowed to leave without the sanction of the  authorities. Mr Buckridge decided to go on, and anywhere he went witness was willing to go. Witness produced his mate's certificate and a copy of an agreement with Buckridge, by which witness was to get two-twelfths of the proceeds of the exhibition. The agreement was stamped, but had not been signed.

The owners of the yacht were Bailey and Lowe. Witness was examined at length by Captain Chrisp as to the circumstances and why no log was kept.

He said Buckridge had navigated the vessel until his death.

The enquiry was adjourned until to-morrow for the production of the deceaseds’  papers.

Wanganui Herald 8 January 1904

1905

By 1905 the little yacht had been to returned to her builders Bailey and Lowe in Auckland

The yacht Kia Ora, which gained some notoriety about a year ago in connection with the attempt of Messrs Buckridge and Sowden to circumnavigate the globe, and which has been lying at Gisborne Wharf for a considerable time, and has been the object of much interest, has been returned to her builders, Messrs Bailey and Lowe, of Auckland.

Taranaki Herald 26 January 1905

The little yacht Kia Ora, in which Messrs Buckridge and Snowden started out from Gisborne last year to make the voyage to London, and which had to put back owing to the death of Mr Buckridge, has been taken to Auckland from Gisborne.

Wairarapa Daily Times 2 February 1905

A proposal by Captain Warwick to attempt an around the world voyage was met with one publication (The Poverty Bay Herald) with the Headliner "YACHT KIA ORA. ANOTHER FOOLHARDY EXPEDITION."

YACHT KIA ORA.
ANOTHER FOOLHARDY EXPEDITION.
(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day.
Captain 0. Warwick proposes to take the yacht Kia Ora, on which the young man Buckeridge lost his life, on a cruise round the world, journeying from Auckland to Wellington, Adelaide, Mauritius, Capetown, and London.

Poverty Bay Herald 9 October 1905

Unfortunately, it seemed the Poverty Bay Herald proved to be right. In early November,  Kia Ora was yet again ashore near Tauranga. She was later refloated then towed back to the port of Tauranga for repairs. Only a few days after leaving Tauranga, the little vessel was yet again ashore this time at Opotoki.

THE YACHT KIA ORA.(Per Press Association.)
AUCKLAND, this day. The yacht Kia Ora, on a tour round the world, was driven ashore during a heavy gale at Pareotata Island, near Tauranga, on November Ist. The vessel was undamaged, and will probably be refloated easily.

Poverty Bay Herald 11 November 1905

The yacht Kia Ora, which went ashore last week at Matakana Island, Tauranga Heads, was towed by the steamer Katikati to Tauranga, where she will undergo an examination to see what damage she has sustained. The Kia Ora will sail shortly for Wellington.

                                                                                                        Wairarapa Daily Times 17 November 1905

The Auckland Herald's Opotiki correspondent telegraphs on Friday :— The yacht Kia Ora, which left Tauranga on Tuesday last for Gisborne, stranded near the entrance to the harbor this morning, and now lies high and dry a mile on the east side of the entrance. Captain Warwick, who was the sole occupant of the yacht, got ashore safely. He states that as ho had run short of water after leaving Tauranga. He made for Opotiki, but, missing the entrance, the yacht vent ashore. The Kia Ora has since been sold to local parties, who expect to get her floated tomorrow.

Poverty Bay Herald 27 November 1905

END OF THE KIA ORA.
[press association.]
AUCKLAND, Nov. 20.

The yacht Kia Ora, which was stranded off Tauranga, went ashore at Opotiki, and has been sold to the natives there.

Marlborough Express 27 November 1905

By late December, it was being reported that the Kia Ora had been sold on and Warwick had all but abandoned his grand scheme to sail her around the world.

The yacht Kia Ora, which went ashore at Opotiki, has, it is reported, been sold to local parties, who expect to float her off the beach outside the entrance of the harbour. From this it may be inferred (says the Napier Telegraph) that Captain C. Warwick, who was the only occupant of the vessel, at the time of the wreck, the other members of the crew having left her at Tauranga, has decided to abandon his project of sailing to London and back.

Wanganui Herald 29 December 1905

 Captain Oswald Warwick, who started from Auckland some weeks ago, intending to go round the globe in the little yacht Kia Ora, has abandoned his scheme, and is now on his way overland to Wellington. The Kia Ora (Maori for " good luck ") has been anything but a lucky little craft. Buckridge, the young Englishman formerly of the Antarctic ship Discovery and later mate of the Tilikum, died on board the Kia Ora some time after he and Captain Sowden's son had started on a voyage round the world. Captain Warwick then decided to make the voyage in the yacht, but a few days after she bad left Auckland she was driven ashore at Opotiki. She was floated off and the voyage resumed, but ill-luck still pursued her, as she stranded again, this time near Tauranga. She has now been sold to an Opotiki syndicate for £25 to satisfy the debts incurred by Captain Warwick in connection with his undertaking.

Wairarapa Daily Times 8 January 1906

1906

From this point on any references to Kia Ora may or may not be the same vessel. I've searched on anyway just to see if there are any records of her fate after she was sold in 1905.

By May of 1906, Kia Ora again (if it is the same vessel) was in trouble, when she parted her moorings at Lyttleton and ended up entangling with a dredge.

THE WEATHER.LYTTELTON. STEAMERS DELAYED. The southerly gale which began yesterday morning continued throughout last night and the early hours of this morning, but after sunrise moderated to a strong breeze, which blew throughout the forenoon. The accompanying squalls of rain and hail became less frequent during the early hours, and later on ceased altogether, giving place to a morning of sunshine. The sea remained rough, but it also gradually moderated as the day advanced. No serious damage was reported as the result of the gale. Nothing on shore was blown down, and the most notable instance of mishap on the water was not serious. It was the drifting of the yacht Kia Ora, which was anchored in the usual mooring ground for yachts, between No. 7 jetty and the dock. She drifted until her moorings became entangled with those of the dredge Mandheser. No damage to the vessel resulted, but it was about eight o'clock this morning before the entanglement was cleared, and the dredge lost considerable working time in consequence.
  

Star 23 May 1906

1907

By December 1907 a transaction is recorded by the Tauranga Boating Club that the Kia Ora had changed hands. I beleive this is the same vessel that Buckridge made his circumnavigation attempt with.

Mr Cotton Murray has disposed of the well-known yacht Kia Ora to Mr J. Te Kuka.

Bay of Plenty Times 18 December 1907

1908

Twelve months on she ( if it is the same vessel) is again in the news at Akaroa - this time with further damage from drifting in heavy winds. She is recorded as being under the ownership of Collins and Brown

The Kia Ora.—Messrs Collins and Brown's yacht, Kia Ora, which is moored just beyond the new Akaroa wharf, dragged her anchor on Wednesday night, and drifted against the wharf. She has damaged her decking considerably.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser 18 December 1908

1912

The same yacht (as above) is put up for auction in Akaroa by 'Mrs Hemingway" After 1912 there is no further record of this particular vessel.

W. D. WILKINS & SONS, Auctioneers.  

AUCTION SALE. YACHT, DINGHY, AND GEAR. 

 MESSRS. W. D. WILKINS & SONS 

have received instructions from Mrs. Hemingway to 

Sell by Auction at the Old  Wharf, Akaroa, 

on  SATURDAY, l6TH MARCH, at 5 p.m., 

Yacht

"KIA ORA"

With sails end gear complete, and with everything in readiness for fitting an engine into her.

  DINGHY, 12 feet, with oars and rowlocks.  Sundry fittings, anchors, etc.

 W. D. WILKINS & SONS,  Auctioneers.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser 12 March 1912