Preparations are in full swing for the 175th commemoration since the shipwreck of the HMS Buffalo in Mercury Bay.

Running from July 27 through to August 2, the week-long programme marks 175 years since the Buffalo was driven ashore in Whitianga following an easterly storm on July 28, 1840.

Over July/August a week-long programme of events have been organised to commemorate the shipwreck of the HMS Buffalo back in 1840. Photo: All About Whitianga

Two crew members died and further deaths were prevented by the quick actions of Captain James Wood, crew and local Māori. Some crew members stayed on and settled in New Zealand.

Mercury Bay Museum curator and one of the event coordinators Ron Morgan says the week-long programme of activities will recognise the history of the Buffalo.

'The loss of two of the crew; the historical importance of the ship's activities to Whitianga; and the many stories linked to the Buffalo's journeys.”

The majority of events held over the week will be free to attend and suitable for all members of the family, with many catering for children where possible.

To mark the start of Buffalo Week there will be the laying of the buoy at the Buffalo Memorial site on Tuesday, July 28.

Later that week there will be a commemoration afternoon at the Whitianga Town Hall which will be attended by descendants of the Buffalo crew on Friday, July 31, from 2pm - 3.30pm.

Also attending the formal ceremonies will be members of the NZ Navy, British Navy and Canadian High commission, plus marine and nautical enthusiasts and historians.

'The Buffalo was a store ship for the British navy,” explains Rn. 'During her time [she] was used to transport both goods and, on occasion, convicts from Canada to Australia, which is why there's the connection with the British and Canadians.”

An official blessing at the Buffalo Memorial site, followed by a Polar Bear Swim and Sand Castle competition will be held during the day on Saturday, August 1, followed by Shipwreck Ball in the evening.

For more information and a full programme of events visit the All About Whitianga website at: www.allaboutwhitianga.co.nz