Donaghy's Rope Walk is considered of great historical significance as a result of its association with the rope making industry. It is the only known rope walk of its kind to have survived in New Zealand, if not in the Southern Hemisphere (Ian McDougall). While not a pillar of the colonial economy, the rope making industry nevertheless had a place within New Zealand's industrial heritage and M Donaghy and Co was pre-eminent amongst rope making manufacturers.
Originally constructed in 1878 (and replaced in 1920) the rope walk which manufactured rope, twine and cordage for both the New Zealand and export markets. Rope was essential for sailing ships, industry, ports, households and agriculture.
The New Zealand industry grew from the European tradition. In Europe, ropes were made in structures called rope walks. Rope walks were long buildings where strands of fibre the full length of the rope were spread out and laid up (twisted together) Rope making machinery was hand operated until the nineteenth century when steam power was introduced – steam was used at Donaghy’s.
According to Heritage New Zealand; Donaghy’s Rope Walk is approximately 300 metres long (reported as 950 feet or 289 metres in 1878) and less than four metres wide, although the overall length of the site to Hillside Road is around 390 metres. According to Donaghy’s records, the rope walk was replaced in 1920 (and perhaps extended).
Photo of it in operation from Heritage NZ;
If you would like to see a video of how the rope was made check out this video; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hQPLYy8avM
Wish to attend New Zealand’s next large multi-day event? GCA7ZHD Geo Toroa will be held on NZ’s Labour Day long weekend 26-27th October 2024 right here in Dunedin. Details in the link below;
