March 28

MEDIA RELEASE

Papamoa archaeology revealed

Hamilton archaeologist Warren Gumbley will shed light on the Bay of Plenty’s early Maori settlement at Papamoa as part of a series of archaeological talks being organised by the NZ Historic Places Trust.

Warren will present a talk on aspects of life on the Papamoa dune plain since the 15th century that excavations have brought to light over the years. The public talk will take place on April 17 at 7pm at the Papamoa Library’s Tohora Room.

“The settlement at Papamoa was a thriving community with its own dynamic,” says Warren.

“I’ll be looking at different aspects of life from the perspective of the archaeological features that have been found – ranging from the shell hooks used for fishing through to the post holes of people’s houses. This evidence provides some tremendous insights into what was clearly a successful and enterprising group of people.”

Warren has been closely associated with archaeological work around Papamoa for 20 years, and his presentation will draw on his two decades of archaeological excavations in the area, as well as his wider knowledge and experience.

He will also talk about some of the artefacts that have been unearthed from the area including a kokowai [pounder] used to grind up red ochre which was used as a decorative pigment, and other artefacts include sandstone hoanga [grindstones], whose gritty texture kept chisels and adzes sharp, and was also used to polish or wear down worked stone or bone.

“The archaeological record has a lot to teach us about the people who first settled here up to 500 years ago, and what we’ve found is really fascinating,” he says.

The NZ Historic Places Trust’s Lower Northern Regional Archaeologist, Rachel Darmody, will also deliver a brief presentation on the NZHPT’s statutory role with archaeology in New Zealand.

“This is shaping up to be a really interesting evening, and a great opportunity for anybody with an interest in archaeology to come along and learn more about the Bay of Plenty’s earliest inhabitants,” says Rachel.

The public talk will take place at the Papamoa Library’s Tohora Room, 15 Gravatt Road, Papamoa on April 17 at 7pm. Admission free, though bookings are recommended – contact the NZHPT’s Tauranga office on Ph 07-577-4530 or email jhetherington@historic.org.nz

ENDS

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