Thank you everyone who's shown their concern over the taking of the SS Ventnor artefacts. We greatly appreciate your support and encouragement.

Since the media story broke two weeks ago with footage of the wreck and the artefacts taken, we have been active in efforts to ensure the safety of the objects taken. You will remember that there were suggestions of sending them over to China.

As well as issuing a media statement about our concerns, we have been seeking legal advice and actively lobbying various government departments. We have also sought legal advice which indicates that the artefacts come under the "Protected Objects Act". This means that they cannot be taken out of New Zealand without the permission of the Government (through the Ministry of Culture and Heritage).

I would like to confirm that the project is now formally under NZCA governance, and I am working to set up a subcommittee.  Our current group comprises Wong Liu Shueng (Historic Ventnor Project Group), Virginia Chong (NZCA immediate past president), Peter Sew Hoy (nominated Sew Hoy family representative), Charlie Ding and Lynette Shum (Poon Fah Association), Gordon Wu (Tung Jung Association) and Kirsten Wong (Historic Ventnor Project Group).

Recently, we made contact with the Minister of Culture and Heritage, Hon Maggie Barry, and hope to be able to update you with more news next week. The goal we are working towards is to have the artefacts securely in New Zealand public ownership." And will be meeting the Ministry for Culture & Heritage that afternoon.

Regards

Gerald Wong   黄志湖

National President

New Zealand Chinese Association