Historical Maritime Park stripped of Brass
Historical Maritime Park targeted by thief's for the brass on historical vessels
Paeroa, Waikato
Two of the Historical Maritime Park’s treasured historic boats have been stripped of their brass and copper fittings—including portholes, steering equipment, drive gear, railings and gauges. Crowbars were used during the theft, causing significant damage to these irreplaceable vessels.
Although we are insured, the cost of specialist restoration and hard-to-source parts is expected to exceed our cover. As a volunteer organisation and caretakers of precious maritime history, this loss has left us feeling deeply vulnerable.
Your support will help restore these two beauties and install a security system to protect the park’s unique collection from further loss. Every donation, large or small, will help preserve this special piece of maritime heritage for future generations
About us
This Museum is the home to a very important collection of Maritime history relating to the role that Paeroa played as a port for unloading mining machinery and equipment in the late 19th century.
Use of funds
Your support will help restore these two beauties and install a security system to protect the park’s unique collection from further loss. Every donation, large or small, will help preserve this special piece of maritime heritage for future generations
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Latest update
Thank you for the ongoing support 4 November 2026
We continue to work through the logistics of getting our boats restored to their former glory, we had remained hopeful that some of the brass that was taken just might have showed up but to date that's not the case. We are currently awaiting quotes from our boat builder now that the boats have been assessed so that this project can get underway. On the upside because of the donations and support we have now installed cameras right throughout the park thanks to AE Electrical for a job well done.
Latest donations
Peter, your generosity is beyond words, thank you so very much and in honour to you we look forward to bringing her back to her former glory.
Peter is highly thought of at the Park and an incredible man.
Thank you so much for your donation
Suzanne we appreciate your support - thank you
Jocelyn we want to say a big thank you and appreciate your support
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