The Blackett Lighthouse was originally on the Terrace, No. 7. It was later relocated to the corner of Te Weka Street and Benvenue Ave, and then again to the Benvenue Cliffs. It is a Category II structure and the Historic Places Trust.  LEFT: The Lighthouse at its current site in 2021. Courtesy of Roselyn Fauth. RIGHT: Timaru's lighthouse being relocated 1980.  Courtesy of South Canterbury Museum 2014/107.73

In 1878, Blacketts Lighthouse was constructed on Le Crens Terrace. It was supposed to be at Patiti Point, but because only a wooden lighthouse was on offer, it wasn’t seen as a good idea to have it and its kerosine lantern next to the towns ammunition supply!

John Blackett, a Government Marine Engineer, designed the Timaru lighthouse, which was 1 of 14 across the country.

The three-story, kauri timber lighthouse with a kerosene lamp was first lit in July 1878.

The the light was powered by gas in 1890, then electricity in 1920. It was decommissioned in 1970, the same year, that work began on the construction of the Southern breakwater.

It was initially situated on the Terrace, then moved to the corner of Te Weka Street and Benvenue Ave, and finally to the Benvenue Cliffs in 2010.

The lighthouse is a Category II Historic Place.

John Blackett, despite his involvement in lighthouse construction, was opposed to the development of the Timaru breakwater and criticized it as a "complete fiasco." He expressed concerns on shingle buildup and coastal erosion.

Some 1000 people protested against his remarks by parading an effigy of him down the main street to the breakwater and then blew it up!

145 years later we can use our own lens to reflect on decisions made in the past to see how they impacted Timaru today.

While Blackett was right, and Timaru would see rapid changes to the coastline, it also needed a efficient and safety harbour for the area to prosper.

This lighthouse is a reminder of the role of shipping and coastal transport in Timaru’s social and economic development.

A set of the original plans for construction of the Timaru lighthouse hand drawn by John Blackett circa 1877. Courtesy South Canterbury Museum 2004/070.37

Section of the HMS Ringarooma cruiser in Timaru Harbour where you can see the Blackett Lighthouse up on Le Cren Terrace 1895-02-23 - Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZG-18950223-0180-01

A art history sign features Blackett story by the lighthouse. Michael Armstrong (1954). Blackett on the Breakwater, 2019. Acrylic on canvas. Friends of the Aigantighe Collection, Aigantighe Art Gallery, 2019.24.1