On July 10, 1985, the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior was bombed and sunk while docked in Auckland Harbour. The ship had been preparing to sail to protest French nuclear testing in the Pacific. Tragically, the bombing killed photographer Fernando Pereira and shocked people around the world.
What many didn’t know at the time was that the bombing was carried out by agents of the French government. The goal was to stop Greenpeace from disrupting nuclear tests at Mururoa Atoll. The attack caused outrage and is now remembered as a key moment in New Zealand’s history, a time when the country stood up for peace, environmental protection, and its own sovereignty.
The Rainbow Warrior Lives On in Dargaville, Although the Rainbow Warrior was lost in the attack, parts of the ship have lived on. One of the most important pieces of the ship’s masts now stands proudly at the Dargaville Museum in Northland, New Zealand. The masts serve as a powerful reminder of the ship’s mission and the people who stood for peace and the environment.
Visitors to Dargaville museum can see the masts up close, read the story of the bombing, and learn about the global impact the event had. The masts are displayed with care and respect, preserving a part of history that still inspires people today.
I had the honour of working at the Dargaville Museum for seven years Walking the ground each night carried out nightly security patrols, making sure the grounds including the Rainbow Warrior masts, were safe and secure. This gave me a personal connection to the history held here, It wasn’t just a job it was a way to help keep the memory of the Rainbow Warrior alive and to honour the values it stood for.
My quiet but steady presence helped protect the museum grounds for years, ensuring that the memory of the Rainbow Warrior was preserved for future generations. I hope my dedication serves has a reminder of how local people play an important role in caring for our shared history.
From a shocking event in Auckland Harbour to the quiet town of Dargaville, the story of the Rainbow Warrior continues to touch lives. Thanks to the Dargaville Museum and the efforts of people like myself, the legacy of the ship and the values it stood for will not be forgotten.