Digging the dirt on our history in Whangarei

Digging the dirt on our history in Whangarei

People in Whangarei will have a golden opportunity to dig a little deeper into the archaeological history of their district on May 8th.

The NZ Historic Places Trust’s Northland Regional Archaeologist, Brooke Jamieson, will give a public talk entitled An Introduction to NZ Archaeology with the NZHPT at the May Bain Room of the Whangarei Library (6pm, May 8).

“We also want to encourage people to come along and share information about the history of the wider Whangarei area, and in particular places where they think archaeological features may exist,” says Brooke.

“There’s a huge amount of local heritage knowledge out there in the community, and we’re very keen to tap into that. We’ll also be running some displays, and a fun quiz for people to test their archaeological wits, followed by supper. It’s going to be fascinating and fun.”

Brooke worked in Ireland as a contract archaeologist for eight years on a number of archaeological excavations in different parts of the country throughout that time. In 2009, she and her husband Wes – also an archaeologist – moved back to New Zealand.

The couple moved to Northland in September last year, where Brooke has been working as the NZHPT’s Northland Archaeologist.

“The archaeology of Whangarei is really interesting. Here you’ve got a fascinating archaeological landscape which includes one of the earliest securely dated pre-European Maori gardening sites near Kamo as well as 19th Century European occupation in the area closer to town,” she says.

“I’m looking forward to sharing some of that knowledge with people from around the area – and also learning more about Whangarei’s wider archaeological and historical landscape from others.”

An Introduction to NZ Archaeology with the NZHPT takes place at the at the May Bain Room of the Whangarei Library at 6pm on May 8. Bookings recommended – contact sgraham@historic.org.nz or phone 09-407-0470. Admission free – all welcome.

ENDS

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