WASHINGTON: Taranaki won’t get its own Boaty McBoatface moment despite the port getting a new tug in 2018. Earlier this year people of the United Kingdom voted a polar research vessel be named Boaty McBoatface – a name that was vetoed by their government who instead named it RRS Sir David Attenborough – after the legendary documentary maker – despite the name ranking fourth in the public vote. But Port Taranaki’s new boat, which will replace the 45-year-old Kupe, will face no such controversy. A model of Port Taranaki’s new tug boat which will arrive in 2018.
A model of Port Taranaki’s new tug boat which will arrive in 2018. It will be named by the port’s management board as well as representatives of Ngati Te Whiti hapu. “Things we’re considering is something that pertains to the area or the history of the area,” Ngati Te Whiti chief executive Shaun Keenan said. “We take into account things like existing boat names and the function the boat will be performing.”
