Heritage Talk - Seafaring Stories of Waipū and Bream Bay

Talk date: 29 October 2025.

Alistair Robinson is a keen sailor and maritime history enthusiast with deep roots in Waipū’s seafaring past. A descendant of early settlers who voyaged from Nova Scotia in the mid-1800s, Alistair combines hands-on sailing experience with a passion for uncovering local nautical stories.

Alistair talked about the rich maritime history of Waipū and Bream Bay, sharing the stories that shaped this coastal community.

The image above is of the scow Nor'west loading fuel at Upper Wharf on the Waipū River in 1939. Waipū Scottish Migration Museum.

About Alistair Robinson

Alistair has spent many years exploring New Zealand’s waters under sail, bringing both practical seamanship and a historical perspective to the stories of our coastlines. His fascination with history runs in his family – he is a descendant of the Campbell family, one of the original Waipū settlers who journeyed from Nova Scotia under Reverend Norman McLeod’s leadership in the mid-1800s. This personal connection to one of New Zealand's most remarkable maritime migrations has inspired his ongoing research into local nautical history. His father, Neil Robinson, is a well-known author who has written several books about the settlers of Waipū. Alistair's presentations aim to bring history to life and foster a deeper appreciation for the maritime legacy that has shaped this region.