This semester we have a group who is very much into the physical history of the area. They have decided to focus on the RNZAF in World War 2, and specifically on some of the crashes and wrecks around the area.
So far we have been on two expeditions. Two weeks ago we went down to the harbour just about the Upper Harbour Bridge and looked at the wreck which sticks up above the mud there. You can see it as you drive down the bridge, but it just looks like rocks. In actual fact, it is a section of an aeroplane wing, as we discovered when we went out
there! There is quite a bit of the structure still to be seen, and we even managed to bring some of it back with us to school. We are planning to work with the Auckland War Memorial Museum and hopefully put together a museum space somewhere on the Point.
We know there have been several crashes in the harbour; are you able to help us identify this particular aeroplane at all? We would love any information or stories that you could give us.
Today was not so successful, the places off Herald Island that we looked at didn't show us anything. Our next plans, which Brian is researching, will involve the B17 which crashed between Whenuapai and Herald Island. We are planning to go down off Pohutukawa Rd and see if we can find anything. Again, if you know anything about this event or the physical remains, we would love to hear from you.
The other group this semester is working with Kathleen at the Hobsonville Land Company to organise the Hobsonville Point part of the Auckland Council Heritage Festival. Julia, Myles and Emma have been researching the origins of the names of a wide variety of street names around the area, and will be putting together a treasure hunt event on the 2nd of October, which is the middle weekend of the holidays. Please come and take part, as well as finding out about your community, there are some prizes too!
