131 people perished in NZ's worst ever shipwreck in 1881

1881 - 131 perish in worst civilian shipwreck in New Zealand waters:

The steamer Tararua, en route from Port Chalmers to Melbourne, struck a reef at Waipapa Point, Southland. Of the 151 passengers and crew on board, 131 were lost, including 12 women and 14 children. more...