Archaeological discovery halts Waiapu project1 min read

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The construction in two small sections of the Waiapu Precinct development has been put on hold due to the discovery of midden – small 19th-century rubbish deposits.

The finds were uncovered in the lower section of the site near Woolworths and along Gerrard Beeson Place, and include shell, animal bone, glass and crockery. This has triggered heritage processes that will delay work while approvals are sought from Heritage New Zealand.

While the process for authority to proceed is being reviewed, work cannot continue in the areas where the discoveries were made.

Such discoveries are protected by the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014, and it is a criminal offense to modify, change or destroy an archaeological site without an issued authority. Penalties include a possible fine of up to $300,000.

Once this authority has been provided, the discoveries will then be documented, logged in relevant heritage databases, and removed from the work site.

With more than 60,000 recorded archaeological sites across New Zealand, accidental discoveries during major earthworks are not uncommon.

Although every effort is made during project planning to avoid known sites, unexpected finds can still take place, requiring work to pause while the proper protocols are followed.