June 01, 2018
Puhoi kauri just a log
The NZ Transport Agency says the kauri log discovered on the Ara Tuhono Puhoi to Warkworth Motorway project is not a partially complete waka as first thought.
Project archaeologist Sarah Phear says the 17 metre Kauri tree trunk has been culturally modified in what looks like preparation for further processing, the marks are not consistent with waka carving.
The trunk was lifted out of the muddy inlet this week so archaeologists could study its underside, complete 3D scanning and check the ground where it lay.
At the request of mana whenua hapu Hokai Nuku the log has been reburied and construction of the viaduct will resume.
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