The Fleets
The Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Union NZ) should not be confused with the Union Steam Ship Company (UK) which became part of Union-Castle Line. Union NZ was formed in 1875 to originally run coastal services and in 1876 they commenced sailings to Sydney. Over the next years, the company took over several other shipping companies and sailings to San Francisco started in 1885. This route was discontinued in 1900 due to US restrictive laws, and the following year, Union NZ acquired a half share in the Canadian Australian Royal Mail Steam Ship Company to run services to Vancouver, and which they took over completely in 1910.
In 1912 the Australia-UK service of Houlder Bros was taken over from New Zealand Shipping Company. Control of the Union NZ was acquired by P&O Line in 1917 but the company retained its own identity.
The Canadian Australasian Line was formed in a joint venture with Canadian Pacific in 1931 to counter competition from the US owned Matson Line and this service continued until 1953 when it was replaced by air travel. In the 1960-1970s, Union gradually withdrew from passenger carrying and became primarily a cargo company.
Many thanks to Ted Finch for his assistance in collecting this data. The following list was extracted from various sources. This is not an all inclusive list but should only be used as a guide.
Routes
- 1875 East Coast service: Port Chalmers - Wellington - Lyttelton - New Plymouth - Auckland. West Coast service: Port Chalmers - Bluff - Greymouth - Nelson - Picton - Wellington. Other coastal services followed.
- 1877-1960 Port Chalmers - Onehunga (Auckland) - Sydney. Pacific Islands service commenced.
- 1878 Port Chalmers - Wellington - Onehunga - Melbourne.
- 1878-1976 Wellington - Lyttelton.
- 1878-1962 Wellington - Picton.
- 1881-1968 Auckland - Fiji.
- 1889 Auckland - Tonga - Samoa.
- 1896-1968 Auckland - Rarotonga - Tahiti - (1897) - Marquesas.
- 1885-1900 Sydney - Auckland - San Francisco.
- 1910-1936 Sydney - New Zealand ports - San Francisco.
- 1887-1969 New Zealand - India (Calcutta)
- 1891-1959 New Zealand - Tasmania. Melbourne - Hobart.
- 1910-1953 Wellington - Rarotonga - Papeete - Vancouver.
- 1912-1927 New Zealand - UK (Houlder Line service)
- 1946-1997 New Zealand - Australia - Indonesia - Malaysia - Western Pacific.
- 1967-1997 Auckland - Lyttelton - Dunedin (roll on / roll off service)
Ships
| Name | Built | Additional Information | GRT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albion | 1863 | 1878 taken over with Blue Emu Line, 1883 sold to Ellis & Mitchell, Sydney. | 806 |
| Aorangi (1) | 1883 | 1901-1909 chartered for Vancouver service, 1910 purchased from New Zealand Shipping Co., 1915 sold to British Admiralty and sunk as a blockship at Scapa Flow. | 4,163 |
| Aorangi (2) | 1924 | 1940-1946 troopship, 1953 scrapped. | 17,491 |
| Aparima | 1902 | 1917 torpedoed and sunk in English Channel; loss of 56 lives. | 5,704 |
| Arahura | 1905 | 1925 sold to Anchor Shipping & Foundry Co., Nelson. | 1,596 |
| Arawata | 1878 | 1878 - 1890 laid up, 1897 store ship at Wellington, 1927 sank while hulk after collision by SS Devon. | 1,096 |
| Armagh | 1917 | 1923 grounded and wrecked at mouth of River Mersey. | 12,269 |
| Atua | 1906 | 1906 - 1924 laid up, 1926 sold to Khedivial Mail Co., London, renamed Rashid. | 3,444 |
| Australia | 1884 | 1896 purchased from J. McFarlane, Ayr, 1899 wrecked Tasmania. | 459 |
| Awatea | 1936 | 1942 bombed and sunk in Mediterranean while trooping. | 13,482 |
| Balls Head | 1911 | ex- Hilde-Hugo Stinnes (H. Stinnes, Mulheim), 1921 war reparations to Coal & Bunkering Co., Sydney but managed by Union SS Co. and renamed Balls Head, 1933 sold to Tung An SS Co., Shanghai, renamed Tung Foo. | 1,658 |
| Banks Peninsula | 1889 | 1890 purchased from Peninsula & Akaroa S.N.Co., Lyttelton, 1891 sold to Reynolds, Hobart. 1896 Reynolds taken over by Union, Banks Peninsula sold to Northern SS Co., Auckland, renamed Waitangi. | 171 |
| Beautiful Star | 1862 | 1875 taken over with the Harbour Steam Co., 1899 sold to T. Nichols, Hobart. | 177 |
| Bellinger | 1884 | 1896 taken over with T.A. Reynolds, Hobart fleet, 1897 sold to Northern SS Co., Auckland, renamed Muritai. | 225 |
| Boojum | 1880 | passenger tender at Napier, 1887 wrecked in gale. | 38 |
| Bruce | 1874 | taken over with the Harbour Steam Co., 1875 wrecked at Otago. | 335 |
| Brunner | 1888 | 1900 sold to Laidley & Co, Sydney. | 540 |
| Cairntoul | 1889 | 1890 renamed Taieri. 1908 transferred to Maoriland SS Co., Wellington, renamed Lauderdale. | 1,668 |
| Corinna | 1882 | 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1930 scuttled. | 1,271 |
| Dartford | 1877 | (3-masted sailing ship), 1908 purchased from D. Corsar, London, as cadet training ship, 1921 hulked, 1946 hull scrapped. | 1,327 |
| Dingadee | 1883 | 1890 purchased from Australasian United S.N. Co., 1900 sold to Blackball Coal Co., Christchurch. | 640 |
| Fijian | 1886 | 1889 taken over from B.B. Nicoll & Co., Sydney, 1889 wrecked New Hebrides. | 987 |
| Flinders | 1878 | 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1894 sold McIlwraith, McEachern. | 948 |
| Flora | 1882 | 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1925 converted to barge, 1944 scuttled. | 1,273 |
| Gabriella | 1920 | 1930 taken over with R.S. Lamb & Co., Sydney, 1952 sold to Chandris, Piraeus, renamed Dora Chandris. | 1,587 |
| Gladbrook | 1877 | ex- Countess of Anglesea, 1911 purchased from O. Pettersen, Marieham and renamed Gladbrook, 1945 scrapped. | 1,112 |
| Glenelg | 1875 | 1896 taken over with T.A. Reynolds, Hobart fleet, 1898 sold to A. Ellerker, Melbourne. | 210 |
| Grafton | 1854 | 1885 taken over with Black Diamond Line fleet, 1898 wrecked Port Macquarie. | 548 |
| Haupiri | 1885 | ex- Richmond, 1896 purchased from Donald & Edenborough, Auckland and renamed Haupiri, 1915 sold to Sun Shipping Co., London. | 748 |
| Hauraki | 1922 | 1942 captured by Japanese surface raiders renamed Hoki Maru. | 7,113 |
| Hauroto | 1881 | 1912 sold to Hauroto SS Co., Hong Kong. | 1,988 |
| Hawea (1) | 1875 | 1888 wrecked at New Plymouth. | 721 |
| Hawea (2) | 1897 | 1908 wrecked at Greymouth. | 1,758 |
| Hawea (3) | 1967 | 1976 sold to New Zealand Government, renamed Coastal Express. | 2,926 |
| Herald | 1884 | 1900 taken over from C. Stone, Auckland, 1905 sold to Japan, renamed Rensho Maru. | 573 |
| Hero | 1861 | 1889 purchased from Bright Bros, Melbourne, 1891 sold to Noumea and hulked. | 985 |
| Hinemoa | 1946 | 1967 sold to Hydro-Electric Commission of Tasmania as an electrical power ship, renamed George H. Evans. | 6,911 |
| Ilma | 1885 | 1911 purchased from E. Pike, Sydney, 1937 scuttled. | 345 |
| Janet Nicoll | 1884 | 1890 purchased from Henderson & MacFarlane, Auckland, 1903 sold to Koe Guan, Penang. | 779 |
| Kahika (1) | 1902 | ex- Ennerdale, 1915 taken over with Maoriland SS Co., Wellington, and renamed Kahika, 1933 scuttled. | 1,148 |
| Kahika (2) | 1938 | 1940 wrecked Tasmania. | 1,537 |
| Kaiapoi (1) | 1906 | ex- Holywood, 1906 purchased from France Fenwick & Co., London and renamed Kaiapoi, 1930 sold to Kin Hong SS Co., Hong Kong. | 2,003 |
| Kaiapoi (2) | 1949 | 1968 sold to Litonjua & Co., Manila, renamed Eddie K.L. | 2,485 |
| Kaikorai | 1918 | ex- Cape Natal, 1919 purchased from British & African Shipping Co. and renamed Kaikorai, 1948 sold to Hwah Lee SS Co., Shanghai. | 3,151 |
| Kaimai (1) | 1924 | ex- Charlois, 1924 purchased from Santen & Schmid, Rotterdam and renamed Kaimai, 1952 sold to Chandris, Piraeus, renamed Mina Chandris. | 1,435 |
| Kaimai (2) | 1956 | 1972 sold to Panama, renamed Meladju. | 2,007 |
| Kaimanawa (1) | 1909 | ex- John Heidmann (H. Stinnes, Mulheim), 1920 war reparations and renamed Kaimanawa, 1935 sold to Japan but resold to China, renamed Lee An. | 2,416 |
| Kaimanawa (2) | 1944 | 1966 sold to Madrigal Shipping Co., Manila, renamed Rosa Anna. | 2,577 |
| Kaimiro (1) | 1929 | 1954 sold to R. Miller & Co., Sydney, renamed Branxton. | 2,562 |
| Kaimero (2) | 1956 | 1975 sold to Maldives, renamed Climax Topaz. | 3,722 |
| Kairanga (1) | 1914 | ex- Antwerpen, Oldenburg-Portuguese Line, Hamburg, 1920 war reparations and renamed Kairanga, 1921 renamed Wingatui, 1951 sold to Chandris, Piraeus, renamed Thoula Chandris. | 2,378 |
| Kairanga (2) | 1922 | ex- Saint Rominique, 1924 purchased and renamed Kairanga, 1956 sold to Hong Kong owners, renamed Amelia. | 2,830 |
| Kaitangata (1) | 1907 | ex- Ladywood, 1907 purchased from France Fenwick & Co., London and renamed Kaitangata, 1930 sold to Ling Nam SS Co., Hong Kong. | 1,981 |
| Kaitangata (2) | 1948 | 1968 sold to Liberia, renamed Paladin. | 2,485 |
| Kaitawa | 1949 | 1966 sank off Cape Reinga. | 2,485 |
| Kaitoa | 1956 | 1972 sold to Panama, renamed Katoa. | 2,584 |
| Kaitoke (1) | 1918 | ex- Cape Colony, 1920 purchased from British & African Shipping Co. and renamed Kaitoke, 1935 sold to Japan, transferred to China, renamed Kong Ho. | 3,167 |
| Kaitoke (2) | 1948 | 1973 sold to Panama, renamed Singapore. | 3,551 |
| Kaituna (1) | 1904 | ex- Needwood, 1905 purchased from France Fenwick & Co., London and renamed Kaituna, 1931 sold to Wing Hong & Co., Hong Kong. | 1,977 |
| Kaituna (2) | 1956 | 1975 sold to Maldives, renamed Climax Jade. | 3,722 |
| Kaiwarra | 1918 | 1942 wrecked near Lyttelton. | 3,125 |
| Kakapo (1) | 1898 | ex- Clarence, 1900 purchased from Yukon SS Co., Sansea and renamed Kakapo, 1900 wrecked off Cape Town on delivery voyage. | 1,091 |
| Kakapo (2) | 1901 | ex- Scarisbrick, 1903 purchased from Eldridge & Morgan, Cardiff and renamed Kakapo, 1926 hulked, 1936 scrapped. | 1,521 |
| Kakapo (3) | 1936 | 1960 sold to Teh Hu SS Co., Hong Kong, 1964 renamed Teh-Ping. | 2,498 |
| Kakariki | 1926 | 1937 sunk in collision in Hobsons Bay. | 887 |
| Kallingo | 1927 | 1930 taken over with R.S. Lamb & Co., Sydney, 1943 torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine off Sydney. | 2,047 |
| Kama | 1937 | ex- Port Tauranga, 1947 purchased from A. Watchlin, Auckland and renamed Kama, 1948 renamed Kopua, 1960 sold to Hethking Steamships, Sydney, renamed Cobargo. | 1,529 |
| Kamo (1) | 1913 | 1930 sold to Foo Hong SS Co, Hong Kong. | 1,236 |
| Kamo (2) | 1943 | ex- Gaarden (German Navy), 1947 war reparations and renamed Kamo, 1957 sold to Panama, renamed Sunning. | 1,450 |
| Kamona (1) | 1901 | ex- Rollesby Broad, 1901 purchased from Hawthorn Bros., London and renamed Kamona, 1931 sold to Shun Hong SS Co, Hong Kong. | 1,425 |
| Kamona (2) | 1949 | 1965 sold to Ocean Transport Ltd, Sydney, renamed Harwood. | 1,785 |
| Kanieri | 1886 | 1893 sold to Northern SS Co, Auckland. | 203 |
| Kanna (1) | 1911 | 1936 sold to Japan, transferred to China, renamed Chung Tai. | 1,948 |
| Kanna (2) | 1946 | 1967 sold to Cia Nav La Luna, Panama, renamed Luna Marina. | 942 |
| Kaponga (1) | 1925 | 1932 wrecked Greymouth. | 2,346 |
| Kaponga (2) | 1949 | ex- Woodland, 1955 purchased from Currie Line, Leith and renamed Kaponga, 1961 sold to Hang Fong Shipping Co., Hong Kong, renamed Nam Feng. | 2,712 |
| Karamu (1) | 1912 | 1921 sold to Canterbury Steam Shipping Co., Christchurch, renamed Gale. | 939 |
| Karamu (2) | 1953 | 1972 sold to Guan Guan Shipping Co., Singapore, renamed King Luck. | 1,972 |
| Karepo (1) | 1929 | 1954 sold to R. Miller & Co., Sydney, renamed Teralba. | 2,563 |
| Karepo (2) | 1964 | 1978 sold to Pacific Viking Ltd, Singapore, renamed Atlantic Viking. | 3,222 |
| Karetu (1) | 1924 | 1951 sold to Chandris, Piraeus, renamed Keti Chandris. | 3,210 |
| Karetu (2) | 1964 | 1989 sold to Pacific Nav.Co., Singapore, renamed Pacific Ocean. | 3,222 |
| Karitane (1) | 1903 | ex- Cavalier, 1905 purchased from Stewart SS Co., Liverpool and renamed Karitane, 1921 wrecked Deal Island, Bass Strait. | 1,376 |
| Karitane (2) | 1939 | 1965 sold to Kinabatangan Shipping Co., Hong Kong, renamed Good Philippine Anchorage. | 2,534 |
| Karoon | 1951 | 1968 sold to Miller & Co., Sydney, renamed Lisa Miller. | 2,457 |
| Karori | 1902 | ex- Minas, 1903 purchased from Soc.Espanola de Minas, Bilbao and renamed Karori, 1928 sold to Chun Yung Zan, Shanghai, renamed Shanghai. | 1,863 |
| Kartigi | 1925 | 1955 sold for scrap. | 2,347 |
| Karu (1) | 1901 | ex- Holmdale, 1915 taken over with Maoriland SS Co., Wellington, and renamed Karu, 1925 sold to A. Watchlin, Auckland. | 266 |
| Karu (2) | 1935 | 1964 wrecked off Papua. | 1,044 |
| Katea | 1958 | 1975 sold to Panama, renamed Santa Ursula. | 3,790 |
| Katoa | 1912 | 1933 sold to Moller & Co., Shanghai, renamed Winifred Moller. | 2,484 |
| Katui | 1946 | 1967 sold to Islander Nav.Corp., Panama, renamed Cindee. | 942 |
| Kauri (1) | 1905 | ex- Harmony 1912 purchased from J. & C. Harrison, London, and renamed Kauri, 1928 sold to Moller & Co., Shanghai, renamed Minnie Moller. | 2,833 |
| Kauri (2) | 1936 | 1962 sold to Manners & Co., Hong Kong, renamed Carolina. | 2,361 |
| Kawaroa | 1950 | 1973 sold to Panama, renamed Tong Soon. | 3,532 |
| Kawatiri (1) | 1882 | 1887 taken over with Westport Coal Co., 1907 wrecked Macquarie Heads. | 516 |
| Kawatiri (2) | 1919 | ex- Shahristan, 1920 purchased from F.C. Strick, London, and renamed Kawatiri, 1935 sold to Japan, transferred to China, renamed Wen Yuan. | 3,127 |
| Kawatiri (3) | 1950 | 1972 sold to Panama, renamed Kawati. | 2,484 |
| Kawerau | 1955 | 1975 sold to Maldives, renamed Coral Sea. | 3,698 |
| Kekerangu | 1919 | ex- Cosmos, 1920 purchased from Severn Shipping Co., Cardiff, and renamed Kekerangu, 1953 scrapped. | 3,146 |
| Kia Ora | 1896 | 1898 purchased from McGregor SS Co., Glasgow, 1907 sold to Northern SS Co., Auckland. | 300 |
| Kini (1) | 1894 | ex- Ella, 1898 purchased from J. Barwick, Sunderland and renamed Kini, 1925 scuttled. | 1,122 |
| Kini (2) | 1930 | 1956 sold to Manners & Co., Hong Kong, renamed Brenda. | 1,388 |
| Kittawa | 1898 | ex- Glosterhill, 1899 purchased from Broomhill Shipping Co., Newcastle, 1928 sold to Wing Hong, Hong Kong. | 1,247 |
| Kiwatea | 1925 | 1955 sold for scrap. | 2,343 |
| Kokiri (1) | 1911 | ex- Lauderdale, 1915 taken over with Maoriland SS Co., Wellington, and renamed Kokiri, 1927 sold to Madrigal & Co., Manila, renamed Josefina. | 1,214 |
| Kokiri (2) | 1951 | 1967 sold to Litonjua & Co., Manila, renamed Junior K.L. | 2,470 |
| Komata (1) | 1907 | 1932 laid up, 1935 sold to China, renamed Fu Ho. | 1,944 |
| Komata (2) | 1938 | 1940 sunk by German surface raider Komet. | 3,900 |
| Komata (3) | 1946 | 1967 sold to Panama, renamed Antonio Regidor. | 3,543 |
| Konini (1) | 1924 | 1924 wrecked off Bluff on delivery voyage. | 1,435 |
| Konini (2) | 1957 | 1971 sold to Guan Guan Shipping Co., Singapore, renamed King Tower. | 2,007 |
| Konui | 1949 | 1969 sold to Unique Shipping Co., Singapore, renamed Bonatrade. | 2,485 |
| Koonya (1) | 1898 | ex- Yukon, 1899 purchased from Yukon SS Co., Swansea and renamed Koonya, 1919 grounded and lost on Tasmania coast. | 1,091 |
| Koonya (2) | 1957 | 1971 sold to Guan Guan Shipping Co., Singapore, renamed King Star. | 1,946 |
| Kootara | 1952 | 1975 sold to Cyprus, renamed Sydney. | 2,429 |
| Kopua | see Kama. | ||
| Koraki | 1957 | 1976 sold to Maldives, renamed Maldive Ambassador. | 3,790 |
| Koranui (1) | 1883 | 1885 taken over with Black Diamond Line fleet, 1889 wrecked Blind Bay. | 448 |
| Koranui (2) | 1914 | ex- Cleopatra (A.Kirsten, Hamburg), 1920 war reparations and renamed, 1953 to J. Hagen, Noumea, renamed Neo Hebridais II. | 1,266 |
| Koranui (3) | 1956 | 1976 sold to Maldives, renamed South Pacific. | 3,722 |
| Koromiko (1) | 1907 | 1927 sold to Shun Hong SS Co, Hong Kong. | 2,479 |
| Koromiko (2) | 1947 | 1967 sold to Panama, renamed Jose Regidor. | 3,552 |
| Korowai | 1938 | 1965 sold to Timor Nav.Co, Panama, renamed Ermera. | 2,525 |
| Kotuku | 1900 | 1912 wrecked Greymouth. | 1,054 |
| Kowhai (1) | 1910 | ex- Devon Coast, 1910 purchased from F. Powell & Co., Liverpool and renamed, 1950 scrapped. | 792 |
| Kowhai (2) | 1952 | 1973 sold to Panama, renamed New Bangkok. | 3,528 |
| Kumalla | 1956 | 1973 sold to Hethking SS Ltd, Sydney, renamed Cobargo (2) | 1,865 |
| Kurow (1) | 1909 | 1931 laid up, 1933 sold to Moller & Co., Shanghai, renamed Mabel Moller. | 2,581 |
| Kurow (2) | 1939 | 1965 sold to Norse Shipping Co., Panama, renamed Norse Transporter. | 3,900 |
| Kurutai | 1952 | 1973 sold to Panama, renamed New Keelung. | 3,528 |
| Ladybird | 1851 | 1876 taken over with New Zealand Steam Shipping Co. fleet, 1881 sold to Westport Coal Co. | 252 |
| Leitrim | 1915 | 1929 renamed Narbada, 1948 scrapped. | 9,540 |
| Limerick (1) | 1898 | 1912 purchased from New Zealand Shipping Co., 1917 torpedoed and sunk off Ireland. | 6,827 |
| Limerick (2) | 1925 | 1943 torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine near Port Macquarie. | 8,684 |
| Loongana | 1904 | 1922 transferred to Tasmanian Steamers Pty, Melbourne, 1936 scrapped. | 2,448 |
| Maheno (1) | 1905 | 1935 sold for scrap but broke tow and wrecked off Queensland. | 5,282 |
| Maheno (2) | 1969 | 1977 sold to Panama, renamed Jolly Giallo. | 4,510 |
| Mahinapua | 1882 | 1910 sold to Emerson Bros., renamed Sydney. | 493 |
| Maitai (1) | 1885 | 1885 taken over with Black Diamond Line fleet, 1889 wrecked Mercury Island. | 275 |
| Maitai (2) | see Miowera | . | |
| Makura | 1908 | 1936 sold for scrap. | 8,075 |
| Manapouri | 1882 | 1910 cargo only, 1915 sold to Moller & Co., Shanghai, renamed Lindsay Moller. | 1,783 |
| Manawatu | 1873 | 1885 taken over with Black Diamond Line fleet, 1898 sank in Hobsons Bay in collision, salvaged and sold W.H. Smith & Sons, Melbourne. | 183 |
| Mangana | 1876 | 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1892 sold to Jouve & Co., Noumea. | 752 |
| Manuka | 1903 | 1929 wrecked near Otago. | 4,505 |
| Maori (1) | 1868 | 1888 transferred from M. Kennedy, Greymouth, 1902 sold to E. Allen, Samoa. | 151 |
| Maori (2) | 1907 | 1946 sold to United Corp. of China, Shanghai, renamed Hwa Lien. | 3,399 |
| Maori (3) | 1953 | 1974 scrapped. | 7,480 |
| Mapourika | 1898 | 1921 sold to Anchor Shipping Co., Nelson, renamed Ngaio. | 1,203 |
| Marama (1) | 1907 | 1937 scrapped. | 6,437 |
| Marama (2) | 1969 | 1984 sold to Panama, renamed Marada. | 4,510 |
| Mararoa | 1885 | 1931 stripped and hull scuttled. | 2,598 |
| Matua | 1936 | 1968 sold to E. Litojua, Manila, renamed Sultan K.L. | 4,193 |
| Maunganui | 1911 | 1947 sold to Cia Naviera del Atlantico, Piraeus, renamed Cyrenia. | 7,527 |
| Mawhera | 1883 | 1885 taken over with Black Diamond Line fleet, 1901 chartered to French Government, renamed Croix du Sud (2), 1902 wrecked Apatiki Island. | 554 |
| Miowera | 1892 - 1908 transferred from Canadian-Australian Royal Mail Line, 1908 renamed Maitai, 1916 wrecked Rarotonga. | 3,393 | |
| Moa | 1864 | 1894 purchased from Black Diamond Line, Wellington, 1897 sold to Wellington S.P. Co. | 188 |
| Moana | 1897 | 1921 laid up, 1927 hulked. | 3,915 |
| Moeraki | 1903 | 1930 laid up, 1933 scrapped. | 4,392 |
| Mokoia | 1898 | 1929 scuttled. | 3,502 |
| Monowai (1) | 1890 | 1890-1897 San Francisco service, 1920 laid up, 1926 hulked. | 3,433 |
| Monowai (2) | 1925 | 1940 became HMNZS Monowai, 1946 returned to owners, 1960 scrapped. | 10,852 |
| Moreton | 1882 | 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1896 sold to Japan, renamed Iwai Maru. | 581 |
| Moura | 1899 | ex- North Lyall, 1899 purchased from North Mount Lyall Copper Co. and renamed Moura, 1915 sold to Douglas SS Co., Hong Kong, renamed Hai Hong. | 2,027 |
| Narbada | see Leitrim. | ||
| Natone | 1900 | passenger tender at Wellington, 1945 sold to A. Long, Wellington. | 70 |
| Navua (1) | 1904 | 1924 laid up, 1927 sold to Khedivial Mail Co., London, renamed Roda. | 2,930 |
| Navua (2) | 1955 | 1972 sold to Guan Guan Shipping Co., Singapore, renamed King Horse. | 1,952 |
| Ngahere (1) | 1908 | 1922 chartered from the Blackball Coal Co., 1924 wrecked Greymouth. | 1,090 |
| Ngahere (2) | 1966 | 1988 sold to Foojadii Shipping Co., Mahe, renamed Sea Horse. | 4,548 |
| Ngakuta (1) | 1913 | 1922 chartered from the Blackball Coal Co., 1942 purchased by Union SS Co., 1952 scrapped. | 1,775 |
| Ngakuta (2) | 1962 | 1983 sold to Panama, renamed Giant Treasure. | 4,576 |
| Ngapara | 1966 | 1986 sold to Panama, renamed Kent Brilliant. | 4,548 |
| Ngatoro (1) | 1910 | 1922 chartered from the Blackball Coal Co., 1942 purchased by Union SS Co., 1949 sold to Madrigal Shipping Co., Manila, renamed Aeolus. | 1,140 |
| Ngatoro (2) | 1962 | 1976 sold to Florvik Cia Nav, Piraeus. | 4,576 |
| Niagara | 1913 | 1940 mined and sunk off Whangerei. | 13,415 |
| Ohau | 1884 | 1899 sank off Cape Campbell. | 740 |
| Omana | 1915 | 1930 taken over with R.S. Lamb & Co., Sydney, 1951 sold to Chandris, Piraeus, renamed Youla Chandris. | 2,550 |
| Omapere | 1882 | 1903 sold to Koe Guan, Penang. | 601 |
| Oonah | 1888 | 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1922 transferred to Tasmanian Steamers Pty, 1935 scrapped. | 1,757 |
| Opihi | 1886 | ex- Lilla (sailing ship), 1914 purchased from Pettersen & Ullenaes, Porsgrund as hulk, 1917 Sold to Opihi Shipping Co., Lyttelton, converted to steamer, 1924 returned to Union SS Co., 1936 scuttled. | 1,117 |
| Oreti | 1877 | 1888 purchased from J. Kilgour, 1897 sold to Wellington S.P.Co. | 218 |
| Orowaiti (1) | 1882 | 1887 taken over with Westport Coal Co., 1903 sold to Huttenbach, Penang, renamed Pulo Riman. | 516 |
| Orowaiti (2) | 1921 | 1924 wrecked off California. | 6,684 |
| Ovalau | 1891 | 1903 sold to Burns, Philp & Co., Sydney. | 1,229 |
| Paloona | 1899 | ex- Zealandia, 1908 purchased from Huddart Parker, Melbourne and renamed, 1922 laid up, 1928 scuttled Otago. | 2,771 |
| Pateena (1) | 1883 | 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1924 hulked. | 1,212 |
| Pateena (2) | 1958 | 1976 sold to Maldives, renamed Maldive Republic. | 2,099 |
| Penguin | 1864 | 1879 purchased from J & G. Burns, Glasgow, 1909 wrecked Cape Terawhiti. | 824 |
| Phoebe | 1851 | 1876 taken over with New Zealand Steam Shipping Co. fleet, 1878 sold to J.& A. Brown, Newcastle, NSW. | 585 |
| Poherua | 1890 | ex- Croydon, 1890 purchased from W. Connor, London and renamed, 1921 laid up, 1924 scuttled. | 1,175 |
| Polynesian Link | see Union Nelson. | ||
| Poolta (1) | 1921 | 1925 taken over from Tasmanian Government, 1952 sold to Chandris, Piraeus, renamed Despo Chandris. | 1,675 |
| Poolta (2) | 1959 | 1976 sold to Bulkships Containers Ltd, Hobart. | 2,085 |
| Port Waikato | 1929 | 1947 purchased from A. Watchlin, Auckland, 1959 sold to Lanena Shipping Co., Hong Kong. | 676 |
| Pukaki | 1887 | 1915 sold to Crosby & Co., Melbourne. | 1,444 |
| Rakanoa | 1896 | 1896-1902 India service, 1925 hulked, 1928 scuttled. | 2,246 |
| Rangatira (1) | 1931 | 1967 scrapped. | 6,152 |
| Rangatira (2) | 1972 | 1982-1983 Falklands War troopship, 1986 sold to Searoyal Ferries, Cyprus, renamed Queen M. | 9,387 |
| Ringarooma | 1875 | 1878 purchased from Blue Emu Line, 1891 sold to C. Kunst, Samoa, renamed Samoa. | 1,096 |
| Risdon | 1959 | 1975 sold to Maldives, renamed Maldive Navigator. | 4,125 |
| Rosamond | 1884 | 1888 purchased from Brunner Coal Co., 1924 converted to barge, 1946 scuttled. | 721 |
| Roscommon | 1902 | 1912 purchased from New Zealand Shipping Co., 1917 torpedoed and sunk off Ireland. | 6,591 |
| Rotoiti | 1898 | 1912 sold to Northern SS Co., Auckland, renamed Manaia. | 1,159 |
| Rotokino | 1890 | 1905 sold to Japan, renamed Nanyetsu Maru No.2. | 2,064 |
| Rotomahana | 1879 | 1920 laid up, 1925 stripped, 1928 hull scuttled. | 1,727 |
| Rotorua | 1876 | 1903 sold to Koe Guan & Co, Penang. | 926 |
| Seaway Princess | 1976 | 1986 scrapped. | 4,188 |
| Seaway Hobart | see Union Hobart. | ||
| Seaway King | 1964 | 1977 sold to Best Shipping Co., Singapore, renamed Sentosa Trader. | 2,961 |
| Seaway Melbourne | see Union Lyttelton. | ||
| Seaway Prince | 1975 | 1986 scrapped. | 4,174 |
| Seaway Queen | 1964 | 1980 sold to Labuan, renamed Lautan Rani. | 2,961 |
| Snark | 1881 | 1905 Harbour tender at Gisborne, 1905 sold to Karamea SS Co., Wellington, renamed Karamea. | 18 |
| Southern Cross | 1873 | 1881 taken over from Auckland SS Co., 1897 chartered to French Government, renamed Croix du Sud, 1900 hulked, 1906 hull scuttled. | 262 |
| Squall | 1904 | 1906 purchased from Stewart Bros., Auckland, 1912 transferred to Richardson & Co., Napier, 1916 wrecked. | 369 |
| Sussex | 1900 | 1922-1929 chartered from Federal Line, 1929 scrapped. | 6,957 |
| Suva | 1877 | 1882 purchased from McEwan & Co., Melbourne, 1888 wrecked Westport. | 293 |
| Tahiti | 1904 | ex- Port Kingston, 1911 purchased from Elder Dempster Line and renamed Tahiti, 1930 sank at sea after propeller shaft snapped and tore a hole in the hull. | 7,585 |
| Taiaora | 1875 | 1876 taken over from Albion Line, 1886 wrecked at North Canterbury. | 438 |
| Taieri | see Cairntoul. | ||
| Takapuna | 1883 | 1924 scrapped. | 930 |
| Talune (1) | 1890 | 1891 taken over with Tasmanian S.N. Co., Hobart, 1921 laid up, 1925 hulked, 1926 scuttled. | 2,087 |
| Talune (2) | 1930 | 1959 sold to Transporte de Minerales, Panama, renamed Amos. | 2,742 |
| Tamahine | 1925 | 1963 sold to Hong Kong Shipping Co., renamed Kowloon Star. | 1,989 |
| Taranaki | 1865 | 1876 taken over with New Zealand Steam Shipping Co. fleet, 1878 wrecked Karewa Island. | 415 |
| Tararua | 1864 | 1878 taken over with Blue Emu Line, 1881 wrecked Southland; loss of 131 lives. | 828 |
| Tarawera (1) | 1883 | 1921 sold for scrap. | 2,003 |
| Tarawera (2) | 1958 | 1974 sold to Maldives renamed Maldive Quest. | 2,013 |
| Taupo (1) | 1875 | 1879 wrecked Tauranga, 1881 salved but sank. | 720 |
| Taupo (2) | 1884 | 1900 wrecked in gale at Greymouth after anchor cables parted. | 937 |
| Taveuni | 1940 | ex- Argentinean Reefer, 1968 purchased from Lauritzen, Copenhagen and renamed Taveuni, 1972 sold to Panama, renamed Wan Lee. | 2,826 |
| Taviuni | 1890 | 1921 laid up, 1924 hulked. | 1,465 |
| Te Anau | 1879 | 1916 cargo only, 1921 laid up, 1924 scrapped. | 1,652 |
| Tekapo | 1881 | ex- Cape Clear, 1884 purchased from Lyle & Sons, Greenock and renamed Tekapo, 1889 wrecked off Sydney. | 2,439 |
| Tofua (1) | 1908 | 1934 scrapped. | 4,395 |
| Tofua (2) | 1951 | 1974 sold to Khymer Shipping Co., Panama, renamed Tack Tai. | 5,299 |
| Tuatea | 1905 | tender at Gisborne, 1929 sold to J. Perano & Co., Picton. | 112 |
| Tyrone | 1901 | 1912 purchased from New Zealand Shipping Co., 1913 wrecked on delivery voyage. | 6,664 |
| Underwood | 1941 | 1944 torpedoed and sunk in English Channel by German torpedo boats. | 1,990 |
| Union Aotearoa | 1973 | 1973-1978 chartered from Gannel Shipping Ltd, 1978 sold to China Ocean Shipping, Shanghai, renamed Xing Cheng. | 6,306 |
| Union Auckland | 1969 | ex- Columbia, 1976 chartered from Wigmore Ltd, Bermuda and renamed Union Auckland, 1997 sold to Union Shipping NZ, Auckland. | 12,782 |
| Union Australia | 1972 | 1977 chartered from Deep Sea Shipping Co., Wellington. | 3,165 |
| Union Dunedin | 1978 | ex- Tfl Progress, 1983-1986 chartered from Gursan Investments, Piraeus and renamed Union Dunedin, 1986 off charter. | 5,290 |
| Union Endeavour | 1982 | ex- Dagmar Reeckmann, 1986-1991 chartered from Halstead Shipping, Monrovia and renamed Union Endeavour, 1991 off charter, renamed Penelope II. | 13,482 |
| Union Hobart | 1976 | 1984 renamed Seaway Hobart, 1992 sold to Cyprus, renamed Seaway I. | 4,376 |
| Union Lyttelton | 1976 | 1983 renamed Seaway Melbourne, 1992 sold to Egypt, renamed Fast Trader. | 4,376 |
| Union Melbourne | 1975 | 1975-1980 chartered from Northern Containers Ltd, London, 1980 renamed Union Trader, 1980 off charter from Northern Containers Ltd., London, renamed Puma. | 4,377 |
| Union Nelson | 1980 | ex- Sunny Karina, 1981 acquired from Aquarius, Hamburg and renamed, 1991 renamed Polynesian Link. 1991 capsized and scrapped. | 1,728 |
| Union New Zealand | 1972 | 1972-1978 chartered from Deep Sea Shipping Co., Wellington, 1975 sold to Maritime Carriers, New Zealand. | 3,165 |
| Union Rotoiti | 1977 | 1997 still in service. | 12,967 |
| Union Rotoma | 1976 | ex- Rost, 1991 purchased from Kagoro Ltd, Nassau and renamed, 1997 still in service. | 13,978 |
| Union Rotorua | 1976 | 1997 still in service. | 12,967 |
| Union South Pacific | 1972 | chartered from Sea Containers Chartering, London, 1978 renamed Tarros Hazel. | 968 |
| Union Sydney (1) | 1972 | ex- Leena Dan, 1974-1977 chartered from Lauritzen, Copenhagen and renamed Union Sydney, 1977 reverted to Leena Dan. | 4,210 |
| Union Sydney (2) | 1978 | ex- Tfl Prosperity, 1983-1986 chartered from Norman Investments Corp., Piraeus and renamed Union Sydney, 1986 off charter, renamed Freeway North. | 5,290 |
| Union Trader | see Union Melbourne. | ||
| Union Transtasman | 1972 | 1977 chartered from Deep Sea Shipping Co., Wellington. | 3,165 |
| Union Wellington | 1973 | ex- Stena Shipper, 1973 purchased from Stena A/B, Stockholm and renamed Union Wellington, 1976 sold renamed Alpha Express. | 2,541 |
| Upolu | 1891 | 1903 sold to Lever's Pacific Plantations Ltd, Sydney. | 1,141 |
| Wahine (1) | 1913 | 1915 became HMS Wahine, 1920 resumed commercial service, 1951 wrecked Masella Island while troopship for Korean War. | 4,436 |
| Wahine (2) | 1966 | 1968 wrecked in gale at Wellington; loss of 51 lives. | 8,944 |
| Waiana | 1937 | 1966 sold to Intertrader Shipping Co, Panama, renamed Express Trader. | 3,363 |
| Waihemo (1) | 1904 | ex- Canada Cape (Elder Dempster Line), 1913 chartered from H & C. Grayson, Liverpool, 1914 purchased and renamed Waihemo, 1918 torpedoed and sunk off Greece. | 4,283 |
| Waihemo (2) | 1919 | 1934 sold to Livanos, Chios, renamed Evenos. | 5,627 |
| Waihemo (3) | 1944 | ex- Dominion Park, 1946 purchased from Canadian Govt. and renamed Waihemo, 1966 sold to Madrigal Shipping Co., Manila, renamed Maria Susana. | 7,189 |
| Waihi | 1881 | 1907 transferred to Wairau SS Co. | 92 |
| Waihora (1) | 1883 | 1903 sold to Koe Guan, Penang. | 2,004 |
| Waihora (2) | 1907 | 1927 sold to Japan, renamed Tairyu Maru. | 4,638 |
| Waikare (1) | 1897 | 1910 grounded and sank off NZ coast. | 3,071 |
| Waikare (2) | 1958 | 1975 sold to Maldives, renamed Maldive Sailor. | 3,829 |
| Waikawa (1) | 1907 | ex- Schlesien (North German Lloyd), war prize, 1915 renamed Maritime, 1915 purchased from Maritime SS Co., London, and renamed Waikawa, 1917 torpedoed and sunk in English Channel. | 5,642 |
| Waikawa (2) | 1919 | 1934 sold to Tower SS Co., London, renamed Tower Ensign. | 5,677 |
| Waikawa (3) | 1944 | ex- Parkdale Park, 1946 purchased from Canadian Govt. and renamed Waikawa, 1959 sold to Panama, renamed Fulda. | 7,185 |
| Waikouaita | 1914 | ex- Irmgard (Hamburg Bremer Afrika Line), 1920 war reparations and renamed Waikouaita, 1939 wrecked near Bluff. | 3,926 |
| Waimarino (1) | 1900 | ex- Wyandotte, 1914 purchased from Furness Withy & Co. and renamed Waimarino, 1926 sold to Chun Young Zan, Shanghai, renamed King Sing. | 4,204 |
| Waimarino (2) | 1930 | 1957 sold to Manners & Co., Hong Kong, renamed San Eduardo. | 3,067 |
| Waimate | 1951 | 1972 sold to Eastern Shipping Lines, Manila, renamed Eastern Planet. | 3,506 |
| Waimea (1) | 1909 | 1928 acquired from Anchor Shipping & Foundry Co., Nelson, 1935 reverted to Anchor S & F Co. | 454 |
| Waimea (2) | 1953 | 1975 sold to Oceanhandel, Singapore, renamed Arnhem. | 3,657 |
| Wainui (1) | 1886 | 1929 sold and scrapped. | 684 |
| Wainui (2) | 1930 | 1958 sold to Cia. de Nav Victoria Neptuno, Panama, renamed Amonea. | 1,633 |
| Wainui (3) | 1955 | ex- Whangaroa, 1964 purchased from New Zealand Shipping Co. and renamed Wainui, 1970 transferred to British India S.N.Co., renamed Warina. | 8,701 |
| Waiotapu | 1913 | ex- Stolberg (Deutsche-Australische Line), 1919 war reparations and renamed Waiotapu, 1946 sold Lambert Bros., London, renamed Victoria Peak. | 6,035 |
| Waipahi | 1925 | 1955 sold to Typaldos, Piraeus, renamed Kefallinia. | 1,783 |
| Waipiata | 1926 | 1956 sold to J. Manners, Hong Kong, renamed San Roberto. | 2,826 |
| Waipori (1) | 1901 | 1928 sold to Japan, renamed Waipori Maru. | 1,919 |
| Waipori (2) | 1938 | 1965 sold to Teh Hu SS Co., Hong Kong, renamed Pacific Mariner. | 4,282 |
| Wairarapa | 1882 | 1894 wrecked on Great Barrier Reef; loss of 79 lives. | 1,786 |
| Wairata | 1943 | ex- Cape Igvak, 1947 purchased from Parry Nav. Co., Seattle and renamed Wairata, 1967 sold to Ta Teh SS Co., Hong Kong, renamed Successful Day. | 5,255 |
| Wairimu | 1941 | ex- Cape Alava, 1948 purchased from US Maritime Commission and renamed Wairimu, 1966 sold to Tung Lee Nav. Co., Hong Kong, renamed Ta Tung. | 6,796 |
| Wairuna (1) | 1904 | ex- Matoppo, 1905 purchased from Bucknall Lines and renamed Wairuna, 1917 captured and sunk by German surface raider WOLF. | 3,942 |
| Wairuna (2) | 1914 | 1920 purchased from British India S.N. Co., 1940 taken over by MOWT, 1945 scuttled with cargo of unwanted ammunition. | 5,832 |
| Wairuna (3) | 1944 | ex- Salt Lake Park, 1946 purchased from Canadian Govt. and renamed Wairuna, 1960 sold to Panama, renamed Bonna. | 7,212 |
| Waitaki (1) | 1876 | 1879 taken over from Oamaru & Dunedin Steam Co., 1883 sold to Kamo Colliery, Auckland. | 412 |
| Waitaki (2) | 1934 | 1958 sold to Ta Hsing SS Co., Keelung, renamed Tai Yuin. | 2,212 |
| Waitaki (3) | 1954 | ex- Whakatane, 1964 purchased from New Zealand Shipping Co. and renamed Waitaki, 1970 sold to Panama, renamed Succesful Enterprise. | 8,726 |
| Waitemata (1) | 1908 | 1918 torpedoed and sunk in Mediterranean. | 5,432 |
| Waitemata (2) | 1919 | 1932 sold to W. Crosby & Co., Melbourne, renamed Willandra. | 5,666 |
| Waitemata (3) | 1946 | 1967 sold to Teh Hu SS Co., Hong Kong, renamed Amelia. | 7,364 |
| Waitomo (1) | 1911 | ex- Gifford, 1913 purchased from Gifford Trading Co. and renamed Waitomo, 1933 sold to China Pacific S.N.Co., renamed Meishun. | 4,214 |
| Waitomo (2) | 1944 | ex- Sunnyside Park, 1946 purchased from Canadian Govt. and renamed Waitomo, 1963 sold to Panama, renamed Blue Shark. | 7,209 |
| Waitotara | 1907 | ex- Dalmore, 1916 purchased from Campbell & Son, Glasgow, and renamed Waitotara, 1917 caught fire and sank at sea. | 4,717 |
| Wakatipu | 1876 | 1924 sold to W. Waugh, Balmain and hulked. | 1,797 |
| Wanaka (1) | 1876 | 1891 wrecked at Waitara. | 493 |
| Wanaka (2) | 1887 | ex- Liddesdale, 1897 purchased from R. Mackill & Co., Glasgow and renamed Wanaka, 1927 scuttled. | 2,422 |
| Wanaka (3) | 1938 | 1942-1946 requisitioned by Royal Australian Air Force, 1965 sold to Liberia, renamed Pater Elias. | 2,259 |
| Wanaka (4) | 1970 | 1976 sold to Sealanes Transport, Piraeus, renamed Rata Hills. | 2,769 |
| Wareatea | 1883 | 1887 taken over with Westport Coal Co., 1904 sold to Holyman, Launceston. | 512 |
| Warrimoo | 1892 | 1916 transferred from Canadian-Australian Royal Mail Line, 1916 sold to Singapore. | 3,528 |
| Wellington | 1863 | 1876 taken over with New Zealand Steam Shipping Co. fleet, 1881 sold to Northern SS Co., Auckland. | 429 |
| Westmeath | 1903 | ex- Everton Grange (Houlder Line), 1912 to New Zealand Shipping Co., renamed Westmeath. 1912 transferred from New Zealand Shipping Co., 1926 sold to Soc. Ligure de Nav. a Vap., Genoa, renamed Nordico. | 8,096 |
| Whangape | 1900 | 1928 sold to Shanghai, renamed Nanking. | 2,931 |
| Willochra | 1913 | 1913-1915 chartered from Adelaide SS Co., Adelaide. | 7,784 |
| Wingatui | see Kairanga (1) | 2,378 | |
| Zealandia | 1910 | 1910-1913 chartered from Huddart, Parker Ltd, Melbourne, for Vancouver service. 1913 returned to owners. | 6,660 |