Sea shanty marks historic NZ milestone

Gunner Trevor Norton braced himself at the gun platform, his long coat flapping around him as the ocean heaved its might towards the shore.

Eyes straight ahead he fired the harpoon off the Orca, a whaling ship belonging to J.A. Perano and Company as the nor’ west blew itself into a frenzy.

As it struck a bull, Trevor had no way of knowing that at that instance he was making history.

It was the moment the last whale was caught in New Zealand waters and 21 December marks 60 years since that historic day.

To mark the anniversary, Marlborough songwriter and film maker Dr Paul Davidson has written a song, paying tribute to those involved in the industry.

For Paul, writing the song seemed a natural progression.

“A few years ago, I spent quite a lot of time in Cook Strait filming the Department of Conservation annual whale survey.

“During that time, I got very close to the awesome humpback whales…and got to know the old men who were once young men forcing those whales out at Cook Strait.

‘I’ve got tremendous admiration for their skill and courage as they chased those whales in small boats in the rough seas of the Cook Strait.”

Recorded by renowned NZ blues singer Midge Masden joined by Melissa O’Connell, the modern-day sea shanty Whalegunner was recorded at Manuaka Studios near Auckland.

The end of whaling was a celebration for many. But it was also a catastrophe for the many men and women of Picton who lost their jobs four days before Christmas.

It was the personal aspect of the history which so appealed, Paul explained.

The accompanying photo stills, tell a story of a time key to New Zealand’s history.

“We thought we should put some sort of music video with it,” Paul says.

Given access to photo a;bums owned by a renowned Sounds family, the Heberleys was a simple but powerful way to illustrate the song.

“I think it’s a very powerful piece of work I’m very happy with the end result.”

Marlborough Museum are holding a Whale Cavalcade at 3pm on 21 December to mark the 60^th anniversary, alongside some special guests.

Entry to the programme of unique whaling films is $8.

Listen to the song on YouTube at http://bit.ly/3BrDiMY