Maritime preservation experts examine the Edwin Fox at Picton. Photo: Marlborough District Council
Work is underway to figure out the Edwin Fox's future preservation needs, so the vessel is around for generations to come.
The boat, which is one of the world's few surviving wooden ships, has sat in a dry dock in Picton for 26 years. It is significant to Aotearoa's history, transporting migrants on voyages and and later pioneering the frozen meat trade as a floating freezer.
The Marlborough District Council said a group of experts had visited the boat to figure out how it could be preserved.
With a skillset that includes marine and coastal engineering, historic ship conservation, naval architecture and maritime cultural heritage, the expert panel of Grant Pearce, Harry Stronach, Sara Gainsford and Kurt Bennett were in Picton for two days, assessing the vessel, and discussing preservation options and aspirations.
Heritage Marlborough manager Liz Ward said the visit laid groundwork for the council's phased redevelopment plan by establishing a team of experts to guide the preservation of the vessel.
"The panel viewed the ship and dry dock, and then workshopped ideas on how the Edwin Fox could be preserved for at least the next 50 years," she said.
"They also met with members of the Edwin Fox Preservation Trust. The trust was established using a bequest from Dr John Hunt, a descendant of a doctor who sailed on the Edwin Fox, and its role is to accept donations for the preservation of the ship and provide funding where necessary.
"Several recommendations came out of the workshop and the Heritage Marlborough team will be assessing these over the coming months."
Auckland-based maritime cultural heritage specialist and archaeologist Dr Kurt Bennett said the Edwin Fox was a ship with a rich global history.
"The primary goal of this preservation project is to house and support the vessel in line with global best practice, ensuring its preservation for at least 50 years, while maintaining a unique and interactive visitor experience," he said.
"The Edwin Fox holds immense cultural and educational value, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the experiences of those who travelled aboard her."
A firm plan is expected to be in place by the new year.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
