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New Zealand has a rich and varied Maritime Heritage, our ancestors both Polynesian and European relied on the ocean for transport, food, and trade. Indeed it did not stop there. Unfortunately in New Zealand much of the population is blissfully unaware not only of our Maritime Heritage but also its importance.

MAANZ has many objectives which are listed within this site, our main objective is to be a voice for our Maritime Heritage. Each year many relics and artifacts that reflect our Maritime Heritage are lost forever. Members of MAANZ are working together as an Association and also many in their own right to bring about a change.

Mahanga Bay Site Survey
A detailed report on an underwater survey of the Mahanga Bay wharf site was published in August 2005. The report covers the diverse historical setting of the wharf, its construction and the technical details of the survey. Copies of the report are available through the Secretary or may be viewed at the Museum of Wellington City and Sea shop. Background

Lecture Series
MAANZ provides four lectures a year on maritime archaeological topics. Also, an associate group of MAANZ in Wellington, the Maritime Friends of the Museum of Wellington City & Sea, independently host a series of lectures on maritime subjects. Because of our common interest area MAANZ takes pleasure in promoting these talks along with our own. Between the two lecture series we cover a wide range of very interesting subjects.

The upcoming 2008 lecture topics and event dates are:

Tue 13 May 7-30 pm 'Island of Secrets' - discover the interesting history of Somes / Matiu Island with author, David McGill, hosted by Maritime Friends of the Museum

Wed 28 May  7-30 pm  'Shipwrecks of the South Wellington Coast' by Ken Scadden, hosted by MAANZ

Tue 10 June 7-30 pm AGM followed by 'Shipping Revolutions' by William Pitt, hosted by Maritime Friends of the Museum

Wed 25 June 7-30 pm   'Hikitia' by Malcolm McGregor, hosted by MAANZ,

Wed 8 July 7-30 'Maritime / Shipwreck Quiz-Night' a combined event with MAANZ & The Maritime Friends of the Museum,

Mon 27 October  Noon   Captain Cook's Birthday. We celebrate this notable event at noon on the outer tee at Queens Wharf. Be prepared for cannon fire, sauerkraut sandwiches and naturally-brewed ale (all in the cause of reducing your possibility of contracting scurvy).

The talks are held at Wellington's Museum of City and Sea at Queen's Wharf commencing at 7.30 PM. All are welcome, entry by gold coin donation, supper provided.

MAANZ Newsletter

MAANZ Members receive a quarterly newsletter, the New Zealand Maritime Archaeology Quarterly', the 3rd Quarter issue having just been released. Topics covered this quarter include:

Feature Stories:

• A review of a 6 August 2006 Spectrum Documentary article with Noel Hilliam
• Planning of the MAANZ Field Trip to the Marlborough Sounds
• MAANZ News Articles
• MAANZ Projects Review
• The Auckland Islands Bicentennial 17-19 August 2006
• Jack Fry reports on an intensive metals conservation course in Melbourne, June 2006
• Rex Johnson records his adventures in North America in 'An American Maritime Miscellany'

MAANZ Records

In September 2006 MAANZ opened up its developmental records site to the general public. The site, which is accessible from the link at the top of the page and here, provides members with the ability to share their research intentions and progress for all to see and comment on.

Websites of Interest
NZ History.net.nz is a Ministry for Culture and Heritage run site and it has a new exhibit:
"Our Picturesque Heritage"
"100 Years of Scenery Preservation in New Zealand" Click here to go to site

New Zealand Heritage Trails Foundation.
An excellent site with information on heritage trails in New Zealand. Click here to go to site

 Patronage

MAANZ wishes to acknowledge the generous support and patronage of Seaworks New Zealand Ltd. Seaworks actively supports MAANZ maritime archaeological and metals conservation activities.

MAANZ is pleased to have the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a member. Many of MAANZ's activities relate to historic sites and it is very pleasing to have HPT's awareness and guidance as we develop maritime archaeological projects that are in both of our areas of knowledge and interest.