The Assessment of Archaeological Effects (Technical Report 13) completed for ...
If the bone is identified by the archaeologist as human, earthworks will not be ...
Appendix G Proposed Accidental Discovery Protocol 1 Background The Assessment of Archaeological Effects (Technical Report 13) completed for the Project concludes that within the Project Area there is a high potential that archaeological sites exist and are therefore likely to be disturbed by the proposed works. This protocol outlines the steps to be taken in the event of the discovery of cultural or historical artefacts, as a result of any physical disturbance to the existing ground surface. This protocol needs to be read alongside the Archaeological Management Plan that will be produced as a requirement of the archaeological authority being sought from the Historic Places Trust. Evidence of archaeological sites can take the form of burnt and fire cracked stones, charcoal, rubbish heaps including shell, bone and/or 19th century glass and crockery, ditches, banks, pits, old building foundations, artefacts of Maori and early European origin, or human burials.
2 Procedures 2.1 Discovery of Koiwi Tangata (Human Remains) If bone material that may be human bone is identified the following protocol will be adopted: 1.
Work should cease in the immediate vicinity while an archaeologist is consulted to establish whether the bone is human.
2.
If it is still not clear whether the bone is human, work shall cease in the immediate vicinity until a reference collection and/or a specialist can be consulted and a definite identification made.
3.
If the bone is identified by the archaeologist as human, earthworks will not be resumed in the immediate area (defined by the archaeologist) until the NZHPT, the New Zealand Police and the tangata whenua have been contacted.
4.
The area of the site containing the koiwi will be secured in a way that protects the koiwi as far as possible from further damage.
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5.
Kaumatua will be given the opportunity to conduct karakia and such other religious or cultural ceremonies and activities as are appropriate to Maori tikanga, and to remove the bones for reburial.
6.
If the kaumatua so request, the bones may be further analysed by the archaeologist prior to reburial.
7.
Activity in the immediate vicinity can recommence as soon the bones have been removed by the tangata whenua or a representative authorised by them.
2.2 Discovery of Archaeological Features or Deposits If remains are exposed that are potentially archaeological features or deposits, the following procedure should be adopted: 1.
Earthworks should cease in the immediate vicinity while an archaeologist is consulted to establish whether the remains are part of an archaeological site as defined under the Historic Places Act 1993.
2.
If the archaeologist confirms that it is an archaeological site, the area of the site will be defined by the archaeologist and excluded from earthworks.
3.
The NZHPT will be informed of the discovery and, if the site cannot be avoided, an application for an Authority to modify the archaeological site will be made (this is a legal requirement).
4.
If the archaeological site relates to Maori occupation the tangata whenua must be consulted
5.
No work can be carried out that will affect the site until 15 working days after an Authority has been granted.
6.
Any conditions attached to the Authority must be complied with (these may involve archaeological recording, sampling or more detailed investigation, and the completion of an archaeological report).
2.3 Discovery of Taonga Maori artefacts such as carvings, stone adzes, and greenstone objects are considered to be taonga (treasures). These are taonga tuturu within the meaning of the Protected Objects Act 1975. Taonga may be discovered in isolated contexts, but are generally found within archaeological sites, modification of which is subject to the provisions of the Historic Places Act. If taonga are discovered the procedure set out for the discovery of archaeological sites (above) must be followed, and the following procedure will apply to the taonga themselves:
1.
The area of the site containing the taonga will be secured in a way that protects the taonga as far as possible from further damage.
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2.
The archaeologist will then inform the NZHPT and the nominated tangata whenua representative so that the appropriate actions (from cultural and archaeological perspectives) can be determined.
3.
Work may resume when advised by the NZHPT or archaeologist.
4.
The archaeologist will notify the Ministry for Culture and Heritage of the find within 28 days as required under the Protected Objects Act 1975. This can be done through the Minister for Culture and Heritage.
5.
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage will consult with interested parties to establish claims for ownership. Ownership is ultimately determined by the Māori Land Court. If the taonga requires conservation treatment the Ministry for Culture and Heritage should be contacted immediately and their staff will make the necessary arrangements.
3 Contacts The following is a list of the nominated contacts for the procedures outlined above. The Contractor shall finalise the details for the Project Archaeologist once this person has been appointed.
3.1 Tangata Whenua Contacts Liz Mellish Ph: 027 74403989 Erini Shepherd Ph: 04 473-2502 Jennie Smeaton Ph: 04 237 7922
3.2 Project Archaeologist
.
To be confirmed by the contractor.
3.3 NZHPT Contact Details David Rudd Regional Archaeologist 04 494 8323.
3.4 Ministry for Culture and Heritage: Honiana Love Senior Adviser Māori, Heritage Operations Ph. 04 496 6339
[email protected]
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