The Auckland Star was one of the four post-war "Dominion Boats" built in the 1950's. All of similar hulls, the Adelaide Star and Wellington Star were twin-screw motorships built at John Brown's. The Auckland Star and Tasmania Star were single-screw steam-turbine vessels built at Cammell Lairds. The Auckland Star did not appear until 1958, due to an almost record time on the stocks, H.M.S. Ark Royal being built on an adjoining slip. With steel still in short supply, the Ark Royal got first choice in materials and manpower, despite that she took 16 years to complete!

The photographs above were taken at Beauty Point, Tasmania 1968. The ship was docked for a considerable time, taking a full load of apples and pears from the local farmers co-operative, with the latter actually loading the cargo.  Although Beauty Point lives up to its name, a truly delightful part of the world, it rather lacked the entertainment for a group of young officers.  Ever one to relieve the boredom,  Don MacKillop (C/O) organised fishing and  cricket matches. This consisted finding a suitable beach in the bay, where the match would commence. This would proceed with a variable level of skill, until the stumps (consisting of Tennants Lager cases) were consumed! An added bonus were the local oysters which, as it turned out, were collected illegally.  Don MacKillop (C/O) is in the smart sun-hat , Richard Haslam-Jones (Eng. Cadet) the white T-shirt,  and  Peter Cain (2nd Engineer) the yellow shirt.  The ex. Union Steam Ship Company's Hinemoa  in background.