Frederick Arthur KELNER

Sailed as second mate with Fred when he was mate of the m.v. Kaiapoi in 1963, under the command of Captain Desmond Champion on the Westport coal run. A good friend and shipmate with whom I enjoyed many a good laugh, even when things weren't always going so well. My condolences to his wife and family.

One of the best Captains I ever sailed with. I was his 1st Mate on the Kurutai and became a friend of the family. Jill and I remember many parties and visits during our stay in Auckland.
A very sad loss, Jill and I extend our love and best wishes to all the Kelner family at this time.
Captain Guy and Jill Dennison, Tauranga

I recall an amusing incident during my piloting days in Tauranga. Fred, on the Taiko, and another vessel, a woodchip carrier, both competing for the same berth - POT's berthage policy in those days were "First in First served"- and both heading for the pilot station at full speed. Needless to say, both vessels were giving the same ETA. It was decided that to "split" them a radar range be set up to see who crossed the line first - think it might have been 5 miles. Needless to say both crossed...

Fred was a consumate master mariner of the old school. Unlike many from his era though he really cared about the progress of his junior officers and took the time to help and nudge them along. I was fortunate enough to sail with him in Kotuku and Taiko.

He was never one to suffer fools in silence and could not abide abuse of power over those in vulnerable positions. He kept the industrial department, the engineers, the stewards, seamen, and young pilots honest and expected his officers...