The Origins of Vega
Vega Industries Limited was established in 1972 in New Zealand, to commercialise the recently-invented PEL Sector Light. This light had been invented to mark the entrance to Paremata Harbour, because a tall cliff at Goat Point meant that there was insufficient resolution from a traditional 2-station leading light system to keep vessels off the entrance reef.
That first light (right) was a very modest device compared to today's sophisticated instruments, but it did the job required of it. It remained in service for more than 30 years before eventually being upgraded to a modern PEL-3.
Many early PEL Sector Lights gained acceptance in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Denmark, and gradually
spread to other countries as their benefits
were realised.
In time the light was made easier to service, and automatic lampchangers were added.
A second light with longer barrel and larger optics was later added to the inner reach of the harbour. Here it is shown being serviced by Grant Nalder, Harbour Ranger for the Wellington Regional Council, owner of the light.
Key People in Vega's History
The original founders of Vega were George Bunce, Bob Barnes and John Ruddick. Norm Rumsey was a prominent optical designer at the time, and was invited to design the first PEL Light. The letters "PEL" stand for
Physics and Engineering Laboratory where Mr Rumsey worked at the time. Bob Barnes set up a small company called
Barnes Optical to make the special lenses, mirrors and filters for these lights. This business continues trading as
Industrial Optics Limited and is now operated by Brian Romeril.
John Rochfort (left, in front of Pencarrow Lighthouse) joined Vega as General Manager in 1978, and applied his instrument-making expertise to the refinement of the PEL-3 light and development of the PEL-6. Norm Rumsey continued to provide specialised optical design.
John and Norm went on to design a number of other specialised PEL Lights, including the impressive 1.6-degree PEL Light employed in Diego Garcia.
In the 1990's, under new owners, Vega expanded into other lighted nav-aid products, and John designed the very successful VRB-25 lighthouse beacon to meet an ambitious specification issued by the US Coast Guard.
When LED's became sufficiently powerful to be used in nav-aids, John developed a number of LED beacons which continue in use today. John retired in July 2005.