MAANZ is working on several different
projects at anyone time. The diversity of those involved in the organisation
has provided a wide skill base on which to work from, allowing many
projects simultaneously.
Conservation
Laboratory
One of the important projects for the long term benefit of MAANZ was
the building and development of a metals conservation laboratory aboard the
historic vessel Hikitia.
The laboratory was successfully completed through many hours of
voluntary work by members and is now in active service.
click
Mahanga
Bay
In 1993 and 1994 the Maritime Archaeological Association of New
Zealand undertook an investigation of the remains of a historic wharf
located in Mahanga Bay, Wellington Harbour, New Zealand. The
survey was successfully completed and a report was published in 2005. click
Patent Slip
The Patent Slip in Evans Bay was a strong element in the growth of
early Wellington, the slip providing its service for over 100 years.
MAANZ members have spent many hours both above and below waterline
assessing what remnants of the slip still exist. Depending on what
remnants are found, the Patent Slip may become a formal MAANZ project.
Large
Anchor Research
In September 1995 the Wellington Regional Council's Harbourmaster
organised for the vessel Hikitia
to lift and remove chain from the harbour floor. On recovery of 250
metres of chain it was discovered that attached was a large anchor
some five and a half metres in length. click
Conservation
Guide
An important project is the development
of a conservation guide for divers who recover material from the ocean
floor. The guide will explain what is safe to remove and what is best
left, as well as detailing the current laws on such artefacts. Most
importantly it will give basic advice on how to start the conservation
process. Development of a New Zealand guide
including New Zealand laws is currently on hold..
Protection of recovered maritime artifacts in an
emergency is essentially to keep the items wet until expert advice can
be gained.
Wellington
Wreck Trail
Due to other priorities we have put this project
on hold temporarily. The aim was for the development of a wreck trail
for both the diving and non-diving shipwreck enthusiast and other
interested folk.
If there is one thing we do not lack, it is an
amazing array of interesting subjects for consideration as MAANZ
projects. As an organisation of voluntary members we cannot work on
all of them, however we do record them and reactivate them when the
time and resources allow.
