The SS Taiaroa was 228 ton Union Steam ship coaster that grounded near the Waiau Toa / Clarence River on 11 April 1886.

Thirty six people, 15 passengers and 21 crew, total lost their lives when they abandoned the boat after it had grounded.

Reaching the Otago Coast on 10 December she stranded on the Old Man Rocks adjacent to Dog Island.

[1] Patrick Henderson and Co had become of the Albion Shipping Company and she was used as a coaster between Port Chalmers and Timaru under Captain James Stewart.

In 1876 the Union Steam Ship Company purchased her and put Captain John Pietersen in charge.

At 3pm the wind swung round suddenly to a very strong south-easterly with heavy rain and fog.

At about 7:30pm she grounded 50 yards from shore half a mile north of Waipapa Point near the Clarence River mouth.

The Captain ordered all to the four life boats, the intent being to wait until light and then make for the beach.

[1][2] Two passengers, Sergeant Grant of the Artillery Corp and Gilbert Hutton, reached the shore.

John Harboard's monkey and Mrs Fitzgerald's cat were rescued from her by three Clarence bridge workmen.

[1] The ship was surveyed by Captain Williams for the Union Company and due to the damage it had sustained was abandoned to the underwriters.

[1] The Court of Enquiry commenced on 17 April under Mr Stratford, RM and Captain Morris, Nautical Assessor.

Because of this his certificate was cancelled with the proviso because of his handling of the grounding that it be reissued after he served regularly at sea as mate.