DEVASTATING BREAK-IN AT THE HISTORICAL MARITIME PARK – PAEROA
In the last 24 hrs the social media drums have been beating about two woodys – ARIANA and NORITA that were broken into at the Historical Maritime Park in Paeroa.
Both vessels were stripped of brass fittings and other important items, including portholes, steering wheels, railings, controls and dials. These boats are more than 100 years old. Their fittings are part of their history and are more than likely irreplaceable.
The park crew are appealing for the safe return of the stolen items and for any information that may help. If you have been offered fittings matching this description, or know anything about this crime, please contact the police or the Historical Maritime Park.
Back in April 2022 we took a Waitrmatawoodys flotilla up the Wairoa River for a visit to the Museum, we overnight berthed dockside and we hosted to a great BBQ. During the weekend several of the woodys crew went aboard the classic wooden 34’ launch ARIANA under the command of skipper and tour guide – Peter Vandersloot, and travelled from the Museums dock to the town dock in the centre of Paeroa township. The journey takes approx an hour.
Reac / view the trip at this link https://waitematawoodys.com/2022/04/20/ariana-at-the-paeroa-maritime-museum-park/
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Alan,
Very sad to hear about this. Many years ago now I was picked up at the airport in Auckland by Peter in one of his old cars and we detoured to Silverdale/stillwater? at some waterway where he wanted to look at an old boat he’d heard about.
We got there and in the mangroves was a totally neglected boat lying on its side in the mud. Peter took off his shoes and rolled up his trousers and proceeded to squelch through the mud for a recce and squelched back.
I had no idea what he had in mind…
He bought it for cost of salvage and had it taken to Span Farm where he spent a long time (years I think) living amongst the people and the boats while he meticulously rebuilt, re-engined and re-everythinged her.
Eventually she was relaunched under the name of Ariana. He had her put through Maritme NZ survey for charter and took her up the river to Paeroa Maritime Museum where he operated her as a river cruise for mainly groups of car enthusiasts who travel and enjoy the similar beauty of restored vessels and an easy boat ride.
Peter wintered over in Lautoka each year in May, where he helped and sponsored a group of various troubled souls before coming back in October to carry on running and maintaining Ariana.
Over time, age caught up and he had to pass Ariana on to the next custodian. Typical of Peter’s generosity had him donate her to the Maritime museum.
This news is a devastating blow to Peter and the museum, but to Peter, this was his life and soul for many years and it is extraordinarily sad for him to have to wake up to this news.
Alan, If you would like to pass the hat around to offer a reward leading to recovery/conviction, I will start off with $100.
Let me know.
Kind regards
Matthew
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