Tanekaka? reel Tauranga NZ

[Paul M]

A fellow contacted me looking for info on this aluminum cradle reel. He thinks it was made in Tauranga New Zealand at least as early as 1930.
He thinks the maker or reel name sounds like “Tanekaka”. I only have the one picture but asked for more.

[Jay White]

HiPaul. I do not know the maker of this reel. However, I would be interested in buying it. If he has an interest in selling, please give him my email address. THANKS! Jay

[KIWI]

Paul, my wife Carol is the KIWI in the family. She says that Tauranga is on the Bay of Plenty on the east coast of the north Island ie Pacific side. She grew up farther north. Tanekaka is Maori for something, I've given her a mission. Let you know what we find out. Doug

[big hoss]

Tane - usually means man but Kaka has many, many meanings. This might give a clue. http://maoridictionary.co.nz/search?&keywords=kaka. I have never heard of the reel before but someone at one of the game fishing clubs may be able to help. Jeremy Wells is another possibility but contacting him at this time would not be welcomed by him.

[reeltackle]

I have done a little research on that reel and have only found out that it was made in New Zealand and was called a Mowlem Reel and ..... that's all I've got to date.

Here are a couple of photos of a similar, if not the same reel.

[Steve]

Oh, that Mowlem reel.

[Paul M]

You guys are amazing. The fellow that originally contacted me hasn’t responded but I’m sure he would be impressed.

[Brian F.]

Or "Molem"?
https://www.classicboatsnewzealand.com/ ... =image1c74
https://www.classicboatsnewzealand.com/ ... =image24xt

[Paul M]

Thanks guys for all of the research efforts. Here is an edge view of the reel that I just received from the owner's son.

[reeltackle]

Found some more photos of a different Mowlem reel ... the well is deep.

[Deepfins791]

And then there was this one!

JB

[reeltackle]

`
The Mowlem Reel, I have not forgotten you!

The information below is from the book "Tuhua" Mayor Islands by G.K. Prebble - and now for the rest of the story.................

[Nigel M]

The Mowlem Rod and Reel - reeltackles extracts from the book Tuhua (Mayor Island) are correct and cover off much of what I know about a distant relation John Mowlem's life and reels.
I understand John, upon his return from Africa, designed the reels in the 1930's and as he recognised the short comings of the knuckle duster type game reels of that era, and set about designing and building one that was more user friendly. These were used by many of the Mayor Island charter fleet 19 nm off Tauranga, NZ. The reels had a one to one ratio with the winding handle turning in one direction only, so it cannot fly back and whack the angler on the knuckles. The rods were made of Tanekaha, a straight grained, white, dense conifer of considerable strength. Rumour has it that after the saplings were selected, many skippers would leave them in a running stream for six months then take them home and drill a hole in one end and pour linseed oil in, and hang up vertical in a dark place for another six months. Tahekaha rods could also be purchased from sporting stores.
My father restored the rod and reel in the Carol Walling photo below.
I have attached photo of the rod and reel and an article from 0ct 2003

[Nigel M]

Photo upload x 3

[Brian F.]

Nigel, posting photos is a little tricky but we have a tutorial at the top of the page under Announcements to help.

[Nigel M]

A 2003 article on John Mowlem which I previously quoted.



The Mowlem Reel and Tanekaha Rod my late father restored.



The reel is stamped A Walling.,



Mowlem Reel advert and the 1955 photo with Carol Walling, the same rod and reel and her catch.



John Mowlem fishing with a different reel.



Recent image of Tauranga, New Zealand. John lived by the bridge (centre, bottom) and Mayor Island is faint (upper, right) 19nm offshore. Tuhua or Mayor Island is a collapsed volcano on the edge of the continental shelf.

[Richard Lodge]

Wow! Nigel, this is great information and very educational for reel collectors who aren't familiar with this reel and its history. I would really like to have an article on this for The Reel News in 2024. Maybe we can work together on that? Thanks!
Richard
(editor of The Reel News)

[Nigel M]

Thanks Richard. Happy to work together. I will gather as much info on the reel as I can. I will be in Tauranga in January so will visit the Tauranga Sport Fishing Club and Mt Maunganui Sport Fishing Club (on the other side of the harbour) and see what additional info I can uncover.

I have attached an image of the Mowlem Rod and Reel, Mako shark fishing. Definitely fish on!!!

[Paul Roberts]

Very cool thread.

[Dr. Rob]

Very cool thread.

RIGHT??!!

This a GREAT thread!

[reeltackle]

Thanks for adding to the thread Nigel, its great to find out more about this unique Kiwi reel and its maker.

[J baker]

Hi, An interesting thread. I have one of these Mowlem Reels which I am now interested in selling to someone who wants this special reel given the number made and its history. I believe it was designed by Mr J Mowlem, President of the Tauranga Deep Sea Fishing Club as shown.
and has a 9 and 1/2 inch diameter reel.

[Nick in NY]

Yes! I’m interested….just need a price and we can go from there, Tight Lines Nick n NY