Community Organisation
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We are excited to share that our April tour will be 'Our Fair Ladies' and the first Evening Tour for 2025 will be in held May. Tickets $10 per person plus booking fee. Children under 12 are free. All the details on our ticketing website Humanitix:
events.humanitix.com...
On the 12 February 1909, the SS Penguin sank in Cook Strait in a raging southerly storm with the loss of 72 lives, one of the worst maritime disasters in NZ history. Many of those who died were woman and children, as their lifeboats capsized in the wild sea.
Although the Captain was heavily … View moreOn the 12 February 1909, the SS Penguin sank in Cook Strait in a raging southerly storm with the loss of 72 lives, one of the worst maritime disasters in NZ history. Many of those who died were woman and children, as their lifeboats capsized in the wild sea.
Although the Captain was heavily criticised, it is still not clear what the ship hit nor where, as the wreck of the Penguin has never been located.
The tragedy stunned Wellington and a day of mourning was called for 16 February. The city came to a standstill as many of those who died were brought up to Karori Cemetery for burial in a long procession of cabs and lorries.
To commemorate this tragedy the Friends will be undertaking a guided tour of most of the Penguin graves on Sunday 9th February. The tour will commence at 1pm at the Shelter which is located in the centre of Karori Cemetery and will run for up to two hours starting with a short presentation.
The tour is $10 per person (plus non-refundable booking fee). Children under 12 are free. Book your ticket on our ticketing website:
events.humanitix.com...
Image: The wreck of the Penguin. Wellington honours the dead.
Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZG-19090224-0021-01
On the 12 February 1909, the SS Penguin sank in Cook Strait in a raging southerly storm with the loss of 72 lives, one of the worst maritime disasters in NZ history. Many of those who died were woman and children, as their lifeboats capsized in the wild sea.
Although the Captain was heavily … View moreOn the 12 February 1909, the SS Penguin sank in Cook Strait in a raging southerly storm with the loss of 72 lives, one of the worst maritime disasters in NZ history. Many of those who died were woman and children, as their lifeboats capsized in the wild sea.
Although the Captain was heavily criticised, it is still not clear what the ship hit nor where, as the wreck of the Penguin has never been located.
The tragedy stunned Wellington and a day of mourning was called for 16 February. The city came to a standstill as many of those who died were brought up to Karori Cemetery for burial in a long procession of cabs and lorries.
To commemorate this tragedy the Friends will be undertaking a guided tour of most of the Penguin graves on Sunday 9th February. The tour will commence at 1pm at the Shelter which is located in the centre of Karori Cemetery and will run for up to two hours starting with a short presentation.
The tour is $10 per person (plus non-refundable booking fee). Children under 12 are free. Book your ticket on our ticketing website:
events.humanitix.com...
Image credit:
Wreck of S.S. Penguin, public funeral, entering Karori Cemetery, 16 February 1909, Wellington, by Zak (Joseph Zachariah). Purchased 2013. Te Papa (PS.003393)
Tour this weekend: Off the Beaten Track
Last minute weekend activity idea! Join us on our tour this Sunday 6th October at 10:30am. Off the Beaten Track takes you off the main road to explore some of the lesser known parts of the cemetery with stories of interesting characters along the way. … View moreTour this weekend: Off the Beaten Track
Last minute weekend activity idea! Join us on our tour this Sunday 6th October at 10:30am. Off the Beaten Track takes you off the main road to explore some of the lesser known parts of the cemetery with stories of interesting characters along the way. Tickets are $10 per person (children under 12 are free).
For more details and to purchase your ticket, please visit our ticketing website:
events.humanitix.com...
Today is our annual homage to Mrs Chippy on International Cat Day. Mrs Chippy is remembered on the grave of his faithful owner Harry McNeish [McNish]. His statue attracts many visitors to the cemetery every year. They drop in to see us at The Shelter and ask 'Where's the cat?' 🐈
… View moreToday is our annual homage to Mrs Chippy on International Cat Day. Mrs Chippy is remembered on the grave of his faithful owner Harry McNeish [McNish]. His statue attracts many visitors to the cemetery every year. They drop in to see us at The Shelter and ask 'Where's the cat?' 🐈
For Mrs Chippy's full story, please see his Wikipedia entry:
en.wikipedia.org...
Directions of to find to Harry and Mrs Chippy can be found using the cemetery website:
wellington.discovereverafter.com...
Plot: Ch Eng 2/L/30
© Neighbourly 2025
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