New Zealand 1421 Group and current projects
Do you have any evidence or any artefacts relating to the early people who visited and settled in New Zealand and their relationship to the Chinese dynasties of the 15th century? Can you help add to the considerable body of knowledge that already exists about early New Zealand?
The New Zealand 1421 group is interested in a wider time frame than just the Ming treasure fleets and hopes to investigate, organise and verify the historical information that comes our way. The 1421 theory is breathtaking in its scale and vision but the hard work filling in the detail needs to be done. That is the initial focus of the NZ group.
We hope to do this in an objective, scientific and rigorous manner consulting appropriate experts when required, both locally and across the world. The contribution of all involved will be appropriately acknowledged. All historical evidence will be treated with respect and due consideration given to cultural sensitivities and traditions.
There is a talented group of people already in action, under the guidance of Cedric Bell. More volunteers would be very welcome. We have a number of projects already under way. For more information or a list of related reading, please emai info@1421.org.nz.
Project 1. Hokitika wreck A storm on the West Coast in early January 2005 washed up interesting pieces of wreckage very similar to one described by Gavin Menzies. The inital piece is constructed with wooden pegs only. Remains of the copper (?) sheathing are visible. Type and age of the wood used, type of the copper and construction of the ship still to be determined. Input welcome. Any flotsam evidence is of interest to us.
Project 2. Fish traps and Finger Harbours See the article comparing Roman and Chinese construction methods. We think that Maori/Moriori fish traps are possibly Chinese finger harbours or locks in canal systems and are interested in locating these. Information from the Chatham Islands would be particularly welcome. One goal is to find private land owners willing to allow the 1421 team to survey and investigate non-destructively old buildings and earthworks from this era.
Project 3. Moeraki Boulders We are looking for more evidence relating to the suggestion that the Moeraki Boulders are ballast or weights used in raising and lowering the sails of treasure ships. Smaller stones could well be cannon balls. We are interested in all sites with round stones that look unnatural in their environment.
Project 4. 1422 Comet and Tsunami debris Any evidence for the 1422 tsunami and debris keenly sought.
Project 5. Imported plants and animals A volunteer interested in this area welcome. Archaeological evidence relating to the arrival of foreign species and destruction of indigenous species eg moa keenly sought.
Project 6. Historical Jade Jade features highly in Chinese culture and along with gold, is one of the suggested drivers for the Chinese presence and interest in New Zealand. Knowledgeable contributions and interested volunteers who can help assess the likelihood of identifying NZ jade/pounamou in ancient Chinese artefacts keenly sought.
Project 7. DNA evidence and other cross cultural comparisons and literature. If you come across interesting DNA or cross cultural studies, please send us references. We are planning to build up a significant database of the scientific literature available and assist researchers where we can. We believe there is already much evidence collected and studies done that are of relevance, if viewed from the 1421 perspective. Re-examination of anomalous results may provide supporting evidence for the 1421 theory.
Interested? Got serious theories of your own relating to early Chinese involvement in New Zealand? Please email info@1421.org.nz
