Now, two large-rifled muzzle-loading Otago Coastal Defence guns have been returned to watch over Otago Harbour — albeit, unloaded.
Rather than being returned to Taiaroa Head, the guns have been placed in a new, more accessible spot on the opposite side of the harbour, on the Boiler Point Walkway, in Port Chalmers.
The guns were originally installed at Fort Taiaroa in the late 1800s to defend the harbour from a potential Russian attack.
But in 1911, they were removed and put on display in Dunedin’s Queens Garden.
By 1936, there was a widespread feeling among the Dunedin City Council that the display of guns around the city would "excite thoughts of war in the young", so they were buried where they sat because they were too heavy and expensive to move elsewhere.
They were rediscovered by University of Otago geology students using a magnetometer in late 2005, and in 2006 they were exhumed.
Over the past 18 years, New Zealand Antique Arms Association Otago branch volunteers have been restoring them.
"We were involved in logistics basically — getting stuff moved and giving him space to do his work.
"They look so different now to what they did when they came out of the ground.
"They took a fair bit of blasting and priming, and hopefully with the epoxy paint we put on it, it will last another 100 years."
Mr Pullar said some people did not like the thought of the guns and what they were designed for, but he believed they were part of Dunedin’s history and it was good to have them back on display.
He said Mr Wood died earlier this year, and there were mixed emotions among the team as the guns were put into place at Boiler Point.
"I feel a bit guilty for not getting the job done while Howard was still with us ...
"It’s a bit of a nod to Harold and his team, and it’s great to get it done."
