1864
The signal mast was erected on Cave Rock using black ball-shaped markers to signal the state of the bar to coastal ships entering or leaving the Estuary.
(Heritage statement, Rescue pg. 129)
Consultation open
We have received community feedback that concerns have been raised by some residents about the schedule/frequency, brightness and configuration of the Tuawera Cave Rock lights. We want to understand your views about the operation of the lights, so that we can make recommendations to the Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board.
Tuawera is the Māori name for Cave Rock situated on the beach of Matuku-takotako (Sumner Beach). The name Tuawera means “cut down by fire” and refers to an incident involving Turakipo, a local rangatira (chief) from Ōpāwaho (Heathcote River). Turakipo sought Te Ao as his wife, however she rejected his advances. In retaliation Turakipo casted a spell that resulted in Te Ao’s death. Te Ake, Te Ao’s father, travelled from Akaroa to the hill overlooking Sumner where he sent forth a strong karakia (prayer) against Turakipo and his people. In answer to Te Ake’s prayers a whale was stranded on the beach. Turakipo and his people eagerly cut up the whale, and feasted upon it. Turakipo felt that the stranded whale was the result of makutu (black magic), and decided not to eat the whale. After the feast they went to sleep, however only Turakipo awoke. Turakipo was later slained by Te Ake’s people, which is the origin of the name Tuawera.
Source: Ngāi Tahu Atlas Kā Huru Manu
Operation
Current operation of the mast lights
A deed of accessibility was entered into between Breakfree Foundation and the Council in November 2020. Breakfree Foundation are solely responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing the lights, and any costs associated with the operation of the lights.
Mast history
The mast on Tuawera Cave Rock was established in 1864 and used to navigate boats carrying heavy goods up the Avon and Heathcote Rivers over the Sumner sand bar. However, there are no records of it being lit for the purposes of navigation. Black ball-shaped markers were used to signal the state of the Sumner Bar to coastal shipping entering or leaving the Estuary.
You can click on each of the images within the timeline to open the source document.
-
1898
Stone pilot/signal station built and handed to the station pilot Joseph Day.
(Heritage statement, The Sumner Museum)1916
The Sumner Borough Council takes over operations of the pilot/signal station, from the Lyttelton Harbour Board.
(Rescue, pg. 129)
1920s
Pilots stopped working from the signal station.
(The Press - May 1, 1993, pg. 11)
Lighting history
Lighting up the mast began for royal coronations in 1937 and 1953 and evolved into a community tradition for Easter, Anzac Day, Christmas and other significant national events. The Sumner Lifeboat Institute operated the lights under a deed of accessibility with the Council until February 22, 2011, when the earthquake damaged the signal house.
A new deed was established in 2020 with the Breakfree Foundation, allowing them to install, own and operate the lights. Funds were raised by the community and the solar powered lights were installed in December 2021.
You can click on each of the images within the timeline to open the source document.
-
1919
A letter to the press requesting the mast become a lit memorial to the memory of the soldiers from Sumner from WWI.
(The Press, 24 July, 1919)1937
The mast was temporarily lit for the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth from 14 May until 23 May.
The lighting on Cave Rock is a large Crown at the base and a coronet atop the mast. Over 500 bulbs were lit, including the ones along the Foreshore and on the Pier.
(Sumner Museum)
1938
Sumner Borough Councillors discussed a more formal installation of lights to be illuminated during holidays.
(The Press, 22 December 1938, pg. 16)
1953
The mast was illuminated with a large cross for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
(Press, 5 May 1953, pg. 8)1957
A public letter supported the idea of lighting Cave Rock for festive occasions like Christmas and Easter, alongside other beach improvements. A counter-letter criticized the proposal, calling it visual clutter and expressing concern about attracting unruly visitors.
(Press, 5 November 1957, pg. 3; Press, 7 November 1957, pg. 3)1958
The Sumner Residents' Association received a £65 estimate from the Municipal Electricity Department to light Cave Rock. The proposal involved placing a pole on the rock to carry power and lights from Clifton Bay, but it was deemed too expensive. No lighting was installed; the association requested the matter be reviewed.
(Rescue pg. 130, Press, 28 February 1958, pg. 12)1960 - 1961
The Residents’ Association requested the City Council repair and illuminate the flagpole on Cave Rock for festive occasions.
The Sumner Lifeboat Institute was granted use of the Signal Station (on Cave Rock) as a lifeboat control tower. The structure was described as a memorial to Mr Joe Day, Sumner’s former pilot.
(The Press, 7 October 1960, pg. 6; The Press, 23 February 1961, pg. 17)1962 - 1993
Between 1962 and 1993, repeated efforts to light Cave Rock were hindered by cost, impracticality, and ongoing vandalism.
(The Press, Rescue)1994
New wiring was installed for Easter and the mast was lit up as a symbolic cross.
(Rescue, pg. 131; Shoreline Magazine 1997)
2011 - 2016
The Christchurch Earthquake damaged the signal station, which was repaired in 2016.
(The Press, April 4, 2016, pg. A4)2021
Installation of new solar powered lights by Breakfree Foundation.
(Breakfree Foundation)
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more about a project? Contact us:
Contact Information Email letstalk@ccc.govt.nz
