Edwin Fox model turns heads in Auckland

Picton’s Edwin Fox stepped into the spotlight at the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival in March.

A wooden model of the historic ship, one of the world’s oldest surviving merchant vessels, was taken to the event, which attracted 18,000 visitors.

Manager of the Edwin Fox Karen McLeod said the ship model attracted plenty of attention.

“Our stand became a place of curiosity and conversation,” she said. “What surprised us most was how many people had never heard of the Edwin Fox. It was a powerful reminder that while our ship is world-significant, our story still has room to travel.”

The 173-year-old ship was built in India and had a busy working life as a sailing ship, including trips to Australia and New Zealand carrying convicts and immigrants. She made her final voyage to Picton in 1897 and in 1985 was refloated from a watery grave in Shakespeare Bay and towed to Picton Harbour. In 2023 Council became kaitiaki/guardians, ensuring her long-term future.

Mrs McLeod said the Auckland festival was a fantastic opportunity to learn about other ship preservation and restoration projects.

“We met descendants of families linked to the ship which brought history vividly to life,” she said. “We also built valuable relationships across the maritime and heritage sector, connecting with museum professionals, festival organisers and other restoration projects. There is strong interest in collaboration and a shared recognition of the challenges and opportunities facing heritage organisations today.”

The festival, hosted by Auckland Council, Auckland Maritime Museum, Perpetual Guardian, Tino Rawa Trust and the Moana Auckland Ocean Festival, helped to raise awareness of the Edwin Fox Museum beyond the South Island.

“It also reminded us of the power of storytelling and connection. We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to share the story of this remarkable ship.”

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