Onoke spit Addenda shipwreck vandalised

Vandalism of a century-old shipwreck near Onoke spit has sparked alarm and warnings from Department of Conservation.
DOC Wairarapa area manager Chris Lester said signs of vandalism of the historic wreck of the ship Addenda was discovered during a joint community and department clean-up of the area on Friday.
"It's the first time vanadalism has been discovered of this particular relic and it was noticed during the clean-up.
"I don't think it's malicious, just people being careless with materials that are
very old and relatively fragile," Mr Lester said.
The remains of the vessel, which ran aground with no loss of life in 1904, are buried near the eastern end of the spit with a small number of iron hull fasteners visible above the sand.
The site is located on Crown land and protected under the Conservation Act.
"Several holes had been dug around the wreck, exposing the timbers, and it appeared that pieces of timber may have been removed," Mr Lester said.
"It looks as though someone started digging out of curiosity and decided to take a souvenir.
"The historic nature of the wreck is clearly marked on interpretive signage at the entrance to the spit.
"Even just exposing the timbers to air means they will start to deteriorate faster.
"We would appreciate hearing from the public if they see vandalism on Crown land and advise us or if serious, the police," Mr Lester said.
He said there are warning signs in place at Onoke Spit concerning rubbish disposal and further signs may be erected as well to warn beach-goers to tread with care at the site of the historic wreckage.
The signs would also tell the story of the Addenda while stressing its protected status, he said.
People found vandalising or removing parts of the wreckage risk prosecution under the Conservation Act with each alleged breach pursued on a case-by-case basis, he said.
"Our message is 'look at the site and appreciate it, and leave it for other people to enjoy'."
On Friday, Onoke spit was cleared of rubbish posing a threat to wildlife that included tangled fishing line, wire, tyres, and even a fridge, Mr Lester said.
The working bee comes ahead of the Caspian tern breeding season and comprised a band of more than 40 volunteers, including staff from the nearby Wharekauhau Estate, who helped DOC officers comb the dunes for rubbish washed down the rivers and off boats,
he said.
DOC community relations programme manager Amanda Cosgrove said the reduction in refuse from last year and the enthusiasm of volunteers on Friday was impressive.
"Last year we collected close to 50 tyres and two tonnes of rubbish.
"Thankfully this year we only collected around a dozen tyres and about half the rubbish with highlights including a fridge, large amounts of entangled fishing line and enough batons and wire to build five fences with."
The team covered the spit in half the time and then headed down Ocean Beach en route to Wharekauhau.
Hungry workers were treated to a barbecue lunch, she said.
She said the group is now planning an annual August beach clean-up in preparation for the spring breeding season and influx of recreational visitors.
"It's also a reminder to people to watch their fishing gear and what floats down the rivers of Wairarapa as it does wash up somewhere," Ms Cosgrove said.
The next South Wairarapa beach clean-up will be held as part of Conservation Week at Lake Ferry on September 14, she said.
n For more information go online to http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation-week/events/wellington