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The Victoria Battery was constructed by the Waihi Goldmining Company from 1897 to crush ore from the Martha Mine. Today visitors can wander around the relics of the 'Old Processing' site or take a tour in the Tram pulled by old mining engines. Or tour the museum to hear and see a visual history of the site in the 'Old Transformer Building.'
The Society brings together the stories and images that tell the story of the Victoria Battery and its importance to the life and development of Waikino and Waihi. They are also preserving and demonstrating some of the equipment that was used, so visitors can get a feel for what life might have been like over 100 years ago.
Tucked away in a shipping container at the bottom of the South Island, a long-lost piece of Waikino's industrial heritage has finally found its way home. We spoke with Kerry Single from the Victoria Battery Tramway Society about the remarkable rediscovery and return of FH99, a rare 1923 Model T Ford locomotive with a story as captivating as its journey.
Photo credit: Jim Staton - FH99 (this image and main story image)
Kerry, can you tell us the story of how you first discovered the locomotive was down in Invercargill? What sparked your interest or tipped you off?
When I became involved with the Victoria Battery Tramway Society in 2019, I came across a photograph of a small locomotive that immediately fascinated me. I spoke with George Capper, our longest-serving volunteer, who explained that the locomotive - FH99- was the very first engine the Society had back in 1995/96 when it laid track to take passengers around the site. It had been on permanent loan, but in 2005 the lenders borrowed it back, promising to return it. It never came back, and over time, its whereabouts became a mystery.
My curiosity was piqued. I followed up on numerous theories, combed through records online, and eventually narrowed its location down to somewhere near Queenstown. A member of a gold mining heritage group I belong to asked if I was looking for FH99. He not only knew what I was talking about, he knew exactly where it was: in a container in Fairlight, and owned by a friend of his.
How did you confirm it was originally from the Victoria Battery site? Was there a particular detail or piece of evidence that made the connection clear?
Although I couldn’t provide formal ownership papers, I could prove the Society had FH99 from 1995 to 2005. We had invested heavily in restoring and running it to carry visitors around the site. I also found a DVD film from 1998 showing FH99 in action at Victoria Battery, pulling carriages - clear evidence of its history here. We had static photos, but finding that movie was a major moment. There was no doubt in my mind, it was our locomotive.
How significant is this locomotive to the history of the Battery? What role would it have played during its working life?
FH99 is hugely significant. It’s possibly the only one of its kind left in the world. Built by the Public Works Department, only about six of these Model T Ford locomotives were made. They were used in the construction of hydro dams and public works. This one likely served at Mangaweka and also on the Waitakere water supply. Later, it helped bring the Victoria Battery site to life for visitors, giving them a glimpse of early engineering and transport methods.
What was involved in bringing it back home? Were there any challenges in relocating a piece of machinery like this across the country?
Absolutely. Once the family of the late John Gurney (who had helped with our original rail safety case) agreed to release it, we arranged transport from Fairlight to Invercargill. From there, Mainfreight helped bring FH99 and three crates of spares up to Kopu. Without their support, the relocation wouldn’t have been possible. A local friend, Neville, picked up the crates and brought them to the Battery site. It took three careful trips to get everything in place.
Photo credit: Victoria Battery Tramway Society - FH99
What does it mean to you personally, and to the wider Victoria Battery Tramway Society, to have this piece of the site’s history returned?
It’s incredibly meaningful. Personally, it’s been a labour of love and a journey into the past. For the Society, it’s the return of a foundation piece of our early heritage work. FH99 is more than a locomotive, it’s a symbol of what volunteers and enthusiasts can achieve with persistence, research, and a shared passion for history.
Will the locomotive be restored or displayed as it is? And what can visitors expect to see or learn when they come to view it?
FH99 is currently being dismantled, cleaned up, and assessed. We’re refreshing the engine, tidying the paintwork, and making a few safety modifications. Our goal is to have it operational again so visitors can see(and hopefully ride) a genuine piece of New Zealand’s early engineering history. It’s built with a Ford Model T engine, original cowling, radiator, transmission, and a unique crash box system that made it easier to drive. It really is a marvel of practical Kiwi engineering.
Why is preserving items like this so important to the story of the Karangahake Gorge and the wider region?
Preserving relics like FH99 helps bring our rich industrial heritage to life. The Karangahake Gorge and surrounding areas played a huge role in New Zealand’s gold mining and infrastructure development. Artefacts like this show the innovation and grit that built our towns and industries. They connect generations and give context to our history in a tangible, engaging way.
Have there been any other exciting finds or projects the Society is working on at the moment?
We’re always on the lookout for historical pieces and stories that can help us tell the full story of the Victoria Battery. There are some other potential projects in the pipeline, especially around expanding our displays and interactive experiences, but FH99 has definitely been a standout moment for us recently.
If this locomotive could talk, what story do you think it would tell after all these years?
It would probably say, “It’s good to be home.” From working on major public projects to helping visitors experience our gold mining past, FH99 has had an incredible journey. It’s a survivor, and now, once again, it can help bring history to life.
You can read more about the Victoria Battery Tramway Society here:
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