Story: Insurance

Wreck of the Tararua, 1881

Wreck of the Tararua, 1881

One of the biggest losses faced by New Zealand’s early insurance companies followed the wreck of the steamer Tararua in April 1881. The ship struck a reef en route from Port Chalmers to Melbourne and all but 20 of the 151 people on board were drowned. As well as the marine insurance on the ship and its cargo, many passengers held life insurance policies, including four with Government Life.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Making New Zealand Centennial Collection (PAColl-3060)
Reference: PUBL-0047-1881-0003

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Alan Henderson, 'Insurance - Early life insurance', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/24127/wreck-of-the-tararua-1881 (accessed 18 April 2024)

Story by Alan Henderson, published 11 Mar 2010