Rusting shipwreck falling apart
The derelict shoreline shipwreck of the Janie Seddon, which many in Motueka call a community icon, has passed its use by date.
‘‘The back’s going to fall off and the sides are going to fall in,’’ Tasman District councillor Peter Canton told Motueka Community Board members on Tuesday night.
Outside the meeting Canton said it was down to the community to decide if the wreck should stay or go.
‘‘People should go down and have a look, but it’s coming down to a safety issue.
‘‘Children ignore the signs that are there. Doing nothing is probably not an option.’’
Fellow councillor Paul Hawkes said the community came out strongly in support of keeping the shipwreck when the issue came up in 2014.
Danger signs were erected,’’but no kid reads a sign’’, Hawkes told the board.
‘‘To kids it’s a natural playground. My biggest concern is who is accountable if a child is injured.
‘‘It’s a potential disaster – already the stern has been propped up with a piece of wood. I shudder to think what would happen if that broke off and landed on a child.’’
Councillor David Ogilvie said the wreck did look as if it was falling apart and needed a serious examination.
‘‘The community wanted it to rust in peace. But it’s deteriorated quickly in the last few years and now poses a safety risk.
‘‘I think all the council can do is make sure it’s signposted.’’
Visiting the former Talley’s Fisheries vessel, beached by scrap merchants in 1955, was ranked 11th of 23 ‘things to do’ in Motueka by Trip Advisor.
In 2014 the council found the wreck was below the mean high water mark, and out of its jurisdiction. Plus it did not have the funds to pay for removal.
The council asked the Department of Conservation if it would come up with the money.
DOC Motueka said at the time the council had to complete an ownership inquiry and it would seek advice as to if it qualified as a structure, which would prevent the Crown taking ownership.
DOC Motueka operations manager Mark Townsend said this week the situation remained unchanged and, based on advice, DOC was cautious about accepting liability.
Council communications manager Chris Choat said the shipwreck lay in DOC’s jurisdiction and the council had erected signs warning of the danger.
‘‘If the board has continuing concerns we can take it further and go into negotiations with DOC.’’