For many years the Iris Moana was a familiar presence in the life of Waiheke Islanders, tracking back and forth as a ferry between Auckland and Waiheke.
The Iris Moana was originally a Fairmile B motor launch of the New Zealand Navy. She was constructed in Auckland during the second world war for about £35,000. She was named HMNZ ML409 and served in the Solomon Islands. In 1947 she was sold to a private buyer. In 1953 the navy repurchased her and she was recommissioned as HMNZS Maori (P3570).
In 1963 the navy sold her again, and she became the Auckland-Waiheke ferry Iris Moana.
Wooden Fairmile
Built 1943
Length 107'
Breadth 18'6
Depth 6'8
Gross Tons 147
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