Leave it and call us. That’s the simple new year’s message from the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) to the public should they discover archaeological material - including koiwi tangata (human remains).

As well as being unlawful, it seriously undermined the significance of the artefact and had the potential to lead to further site damage.

“Unfortunately there is the common misconception that if you find an artefact it belongs to you. Many items have historical significance and, if unearthed, they should be passed to the NZHPT for assessing and returning to the owner. If human remains are found the police should be contacted in the first instance.

“The New Year period is great for families to head to the beach, go camping or visit places off the beaten track. There will be times when archaeological artefacts are unearthed either through an act of nature or people being inquisitive and, unfortunately, fossicking. It is important for people that do find artefacts that it is left where found and covered up, if possible, before contacting the NZHPT or the police.”

Dr McGovern-Wilson said an historic artefact loses its context once removed from its site and there is the potential any other artefacts nearby could also be damaged. It was important any removal from the site was left to experts.

“There are also cultural sensitivities to be aware of. That interesting piece of bone you come across could be human remains, and more than likely Maori. They need to be treated with respect and left where they are for police, iwi and NZHPT to remove appropriately.”

Under the Historic Places Act (HPA) 1993 the NZHPT administers the process of authorising archaeological work to take place. The HPA defines an archaeological site as any place in New Zealand that was associated with human activity that occurred before 1900 that can be investigated with archaeological techniques.

“Many people are unaware that it is an offence to remove material and prosecutions can, and do, occur,” Dr McGovern-Wilson said.

ENDS

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