January 31, 2020
Dig in dunes as erosion threatens ancient kainga
Archaeologists and iwi are rushing to collect mātauranga from a Hawke’s Bay coastal site under threat from erosion.
Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga is working with the Department of Conservation and the University of Otago to develop a plan to manage the site of what’s believed to be a major village dating to around 1400 to 1450.
Otago archaeology programme head Professor Richard Walter says the site is important as there is little known archaeologically about life in the Hawkes Bay during this period.
About 200 metres midden and artefacts are exposed on an eroding beach ridge at the top of the dune, and the iwi and DOC are concerned about the regular exposure of kōiwi.
Taiwhenua spokesperson Marei Apatu says the site known as Pukiwa has cultural are spiritual importance.
During the three-week dig, the Otago team will stay on-site and will also train local rangatahi.
Professor Walter says they will work with mana whenua to identify where the kōiwi are coming from and how the site can be managed to ensure kōiwi are protected or relocated to urupa.
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