Trip Snip- Rotoroa Island- Tuesday Nov 5^th

15 of us on an exceptionally hot sunny day, one out of the bag, headed to this stunning Island not visited before by many in the group We were met by the Rangers on the Island to check bags etc and a quick briefing on the do’s and don’ts. We then met up with Toni who gave us a tour of the Historical buildings and a walk up to the North Tower with stunning views of Pakatoa island Waiheke, Coromandel and the gulf. Also, the cemetery up on the hill where some staff and residents are buried, a peaceful spot.

From here we ventured back to Lady’s Bay where we enjoyed a pleasant lunch together under the shade of the trees. Some of the girls chose to stay and have a swim here while the rest of us continued on over to Men’s bay, this has to be my favourite spot of all the bays on the Island. I wasn’t aware that the Ladies originally were sent to Pakatoa Island before being housed on Rotoroa. There were many stories of how the men would swim from Men’s bay to ladies Bay to join them for a bit of socialising.

On up in the heat we went to the South tower -Poised on Rotoroa Islands Southern Headland is Kaitiaki, a spectacular sculpture by New Zealand artist Chris Booth. Installed in 2011, the work was commissioned in memory of Jack Plowman, father of the Island benefactor. Kaitiaki’s stone columns were inspired by branches of the nearby pohutukawa trees. Also, a lovely place for this plaque as Jack spent much time in the gulf in his boat Biscayne built by Salthouse brothers at Greenhithe boat yard, my husband working there at the time, so knew this lovely man well.

In 1911, the Salvation Army opened Rotoroa Island as a rehabilitation facility for alcoholics. Rotoroa Island was the first and longest running addiction treatment centre, proudly serving over 12,000 New Zealanders. The Salvation Army disestablished the islands alcohol and drug rehabilitation services in 2005. Four years after the Sallies left the island, the Rotoroa Island Trust was established to purchase a 99-year lease from the Salvation Army. In 2008, Neal and Annette Plowman, who have long admired the Army’s work, established a generous trust devoted to the development of Rotoroa as a visitor destination, ensuring it’s unique history as a  place of recovery and renewal was respected and preserved. The Salvation Army is the sole beneficiary of that trust.

It covers 82 hectares, the Salvation Army purchased it for 400 pounds in 1908 from the Ruthe family to expand their alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility at nearby Pakatoa Island. Men were treated at Home Bay at Rotoroa, while woman had been treated at Pakatoa. The passage between Rotoroa and Ponui is of course named Ruthe Passage.

For those who may not know The Plowman’s laundry and towel supply service business was started by George Plowman in 1910. It became NZ Towel Supply and Laundry and was expanded in partnerships with local laundry’s by George’s eldest son Jack. Neal Plowman, a third-generation family member, returned to NZ in 1961 from the US and set about expanding this business further.  From the South tower we had a gentle walk back down to Home Bay with time to look at the Museum. Thanks to Jeanene for organising this special day and Elizabeth for leading it. Cheers Carol W

Click here for photos by Carol

Click here for photos by Ann

Click here for map of Rotoroa Island