ARCHAEOLOGY

Re-examining the HMS Buffalo shipwreck

HMS Buffalo Reexamination Project volunteers before the dive survey, 12 March 2021.

Fifty metres off Buffalo Beach, Whitianga, lies the historically and archaeologically significant shipwreck of HMS Buffalo.

WRITERS: Kurt Bennett, Matthew Gainsford, Rebecca Cox IMAGE: Marilyn Jesson

Built in 1813 and lost in a storm in 1840, the remains of the timber hull recently reappeared above the seafloor and are now threatened with extreme weather events. This continued exposure could mean the 181-year-old shipwreck disappears within the next few decades.

After diving the wreck site in 2019, timber hull remains were found to be fully exposed in contrast to the 1980s maritime archaeological survey where the hull was entirely buried. Maritime archaeologists, Dr Kurt Bennett and Matthew Gainsford, and Mercury Bay Museum Manager, Rebecca Cox, identified the wreck site was at risk of rapid degradation, its current exposure allowing for a comprehensive archaeological survey with limited site disturbance.

In response, the volunteer-led HMS Buffalo Re-examination Project was established with the Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology’s Scholarship, with support from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga (HNZPT) and financial support from Whitianga businesses. The Project aims, through education and archaeological survey, to promote maritime archaeology and the vessel’s history, both locally and nationally. A direct result of this is the first detailed maritime archaeological survey of the shipwreck, and some exciting educational programmes designed for school children. Following sunrise on 12 March 2021, and a karakia performed by Joe Davis (Ngāti Hei), the dive survey commenced. Twelve volunteer divers from as far away as the Kāpiti Coast spent two days surveying and recording the wreck structure. Data was combined to produce the first ever complete site plan. Under archaeological authority, ship components were sampled for analysis. Preliminary results revealed the types of resources used in the construction of an early nineteenthcentury British colonial vessel. As part of the Project, in early 2021, over 160 tamariki from local Whitianga schools participated in education programmes. Children explored the history of HMS Buffalo and its relevance to the area. They also tried their hand at being maritime archaeologists, recording a pretend shipwreck site in a school hall. These programmes have been so successful that teachers have requested more. A third programme is currently being designed. We may have even inspired New Zealand’s next maritime archaeologist! This Project acknowledges that without the financial assistance of local businesses and organisations and the time of enthusiastic volunteers, sharing new and exciting information about this shipwreck would not have been possible. Final results are expected at the end of 2021. A final report will also be submitted to HNZPT. In the meantime, updates are constantly shared through the Project’s social media channels. n