Shipwreck - The Wreck of the Orpheus

On 7 February 1863, the worst maritime disaster in New Zealand history occurred. British warship HMS Orpheus ran aground on a notorious sandbar at Manukau Heads, with the loss of 189 of the 259 onboard. Directed by John Milligan (Trio at the Top), this documentary was part of a series examining the country’s worst wrecks. Presented by Paul Gittins, it discusses the disaster, its cause, and the consequent investigations. While the British admiralty laid blame on the harbourmaster, local Māori interpreted the wreck as utu, for a breach of tapu by a Pākehā settler the previous day.

Also watching the coast was quartermaster Butler, but his view was through bars on the porthole of the ship's brig. Butler had deserted from his ship while in Sydney and was about to face a court marshall. He was also the only man onboard who had ever steered a warship over the Manukau Bar.

– Presenter Paul Gittins

Key Cast & Crew

Michael O'Connor

Cinematographer

John Milligan

Writer, Director

Paul Gittins

Presenter

Tony Manson

Producer

John Cathcart

Sound Mix

Christine Munro

Editor