Preserving the future of the Edwin Fox

Councillors at the Strategy and Community Partnerships committee meeting today received two reports about the vessel - the first a report on Year One of the Edwin Fox Strategic Plan 2024-2027 and the second, the Edwin Fox Preservation Project Report.

Arts, Culture and Heritage Manager Nicola Neilson said since taking over guardianship of the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum in July 2023, Council had been working to ensure the vessel’s protection and preservation, its sustainable operation, the safety of staff and visitors, and restoring public access. Temporary remediation works by Abel Ships are already underway to do the work required to safely allow the public back on the ship with guided public tours expected to resume this autumn.

“An operational review identified early on the need for a clear, staged strategic direction to guide preservation, engagement and sustainability of this nationally significant heritage asset - a Heritage New Zealand Category 1 listed historic place. We are now in Year One of the strategic plan and excellent progress has been made,” Mrs Neilson said.

“In this first year we established an expert-led preservation panel, and they have delivered Council a comprehensive preservation plan.

“We’ve also made a lot of great progress including refreshed branding, the launch of a new website, building improvements, upgrading the IT and point-of-sale systems and some great events such as the descendants’ muster and introducing a new membership programme.”

Museum income has increased significantly during Year One, driven by the improved visitor experience and enhanced online information with year-to-date revenue 66 per cent ahead of 31 December 2024 and November 2025 being particularly strong, recording a 112 per cent increase.

“This is fantastic to see and this excellent groundwork positions Council to be able to fully consider the more complex conservation, access and growth initiatives we need to address in Years Two and Three of the strategy,” she said.

Mrs Neilson said Council wanted to advance plans for visitor access and infrastructure improvements in the second year and make further improvements to museum displays and exhibitions. “We also want to expand education and learning opportunities and partnerships.”

A key focus for year two will also be to consider the Edwin Fox Preservation Project Report, the first detailed report of its type ever completed on the vessel, and the expert panel’s accompanying recommendations for the future management and long term preservations needs of the Edwin Fox, she said. Councillors today agreed that this report will be referred to the Long Term Plan Working Group for further investigation.

“The report confirms the hull of the Edwin Fox remains in comparatively good condition for an artefact of its age, and only minimal work is required on the vessel itself. The primary risk to the ship is the existing propping system and dry dock.

“The expert panel contracted by Council has outlined three options to guide future public access, development, and preservation of the Edwin Fox. Further assessment of these options will be undertaken as part of Council’s Long Term Plan process,” Mrs Neilson said.