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"The rediscovery of the Inconstant is the most important urban archaeological find in central Wellington.

The ship ingeniously reused by (John) Plimmer occupies an extraordinary place in the Wellington imagination and its rediscovery has reawakened interest in this important site"
- Michael Kelly - Heritage Consultant.

(Bow Section at Old Bank)

An archaeological site is defined "any place in New Zealand that was associated with human activity that occurred before 1900 and is or may be able through investigation by archaeological methods to provide evidence relating to the history of New Zealand"

Focus on Buried Ship

The major focus of the archaeological investigation of the old BNZ building redevelopment was the ship. Other features include the four buildings that were incorporated into the BNZ building, the MLC building - the associated (paving drains, wharves and artefacts.

In 1995 a proposal for the restoration and redevelopment of the old BNZ building was produced. The proposal included conservation studies and an archaeological assessment.

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The assessment found that:

1. The existing buildings were constructed between 1883 and 1904 and are archaeological sites as defined under the Historic Places Act:
2. Buildings 1 and 3 are heritage category I and are also protected by Wellington City Council heritage order;
3. Buildings 2 and 4 are heritage category II;
4. The hull of the Inconstant was known to have been in the building foundations. The original redevelopment proposal did not involve excavations to the level were the ship remains would be expected. It was only after a change was made to install a tower crane in the atrium and at a deeper level were ship timbers uncovered and;
5. Four trial soundings in the basement of buildings 1,2 and 3 produced glass fragments dated to ca. 1870-1890.

Archaeological Excavations:

Excavations for this project took place only in areas where basement levels had to be lowered. Generally all artefacts are contemporary to the period of 1850-1863 (when the ship was used as a shop) and when building fill was added to the site (1863-1904).

Ship timbers were found in the foundations of buildings 1 and 3 in Customhouse Quay only.

(Site Location)

Project Team

Honours Board

Contributors

The Maritime Archaeological Association of New Zealand (MAANZ) has been involved with various aspects throughout the Plimmer's Ark project.