Archaeological mission at Great Barrier Island

31 March 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

Archaeological mission at Great Barrier Island

A four-way partnership in protecting koiwi tangata/human remains is underway in what shapes as a race against time on Great Barrier Island.

An archaeological excavation involving the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT), Auckland Regional Council (ARC) and local iwi Ngati Rehua began yesterday (Sunday) to assess the extent of koiwi tangata being unearthed and ensure that appropriate cultural protocols were followed.

The foreshore around Boulder Bay at the southernmost end of Medlands Beach has eroded more than 20 metres in the past 40 years.

NZHPT Regional Archaeologist Bev Parslow said the part of the coast where koiwi tangata had been exposed by erosion continued to be threatened by natural processes, to the extent that a paper road marked on survey plans had been completely washed away.

“We’re working together with the landowner, ARC and Ngati Rehua to reinter any human remains that may be found.

“This area is rich in archaeological features, and there is great potential for the excavation to recover scientific information as well as human remains.”

The ARC will fund the archaeological excavation under the direction of heritage consultant Don Prince, with NZHPT and Great Barrier Community Board also contributing financially. Archaeologists from NZHPT, ARC and University of Auckland will be on site.

ARC Heritage Specialist Robert Brassey said the project would help further knowledge of the rich Maori history on Great Barrier Island.

“As well as resolving the ongoing problem of human burials becoming exposed, the excavation provides an opportunity for us to learn more about the lives of the people who once occupied the site, and for Ngati Rehua to be an integral part of this process.”

Ngati Rehua spokesman Bruce Davies said this collaborative approach to recover koiwi tangata was particularly important.

“Given the ongoing issues with coastal erosion on this part of Great Barrier Island, it’s very clear that there is a need to take proactive steps to manage the recovery of koiwi and ensure they are reinterred according to correct protocol.

“The wider Medlands Beach area comprises a significant archaeological and ancestral landscape in its own right – including wahi tapu, pa, pits, shell midden and urupa. They’re all evidence of the long history related to Maori occupation of the island including settlement, agriculture and exploitation of marine resources. It will be interesting to see what the excavation will reveal.”

Excavation work is expected to last one week, with an open day to be announced to provide information to the public.

ENDS

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