Why is this place significant?

Amateur archaeologist F. V. Knapp recorded evidence of Maori occupation in the south-western corner of Rabbit Island and along the western side during his survey of the area in the first half of the 20th century. Knapp (n.d) observed the remains of Maori fishing camps and numerous artefacts such as fishing sinkers and adzes, leading him to believe that the western end was the most frequented part of the island. Archaeologist Atholl Anderson visited the south-western end of the island as part of his 1966 Masters thesis, 'Maori Occupation Sites in Back Beach Deposits Around Tasman Bay', and recorded a c. 270 metre discontinuous length of shell midden along the coast. The midden was roughly 20 centimetres deep and consisted of black sand interspersed with midden and a small amount of beach pebbles. Fish bone (snapper) and quartz flakes were also observed. M.J. Hurst recorded the site for the New Zealand Archaeological Association Site Recording Scheme in 1977 as 'artefact find/midden/ovens', and noted that it was subject to coastal erosion processes. Hurst also commented that it would be seriously damaged by harvesting of Pinus radiata. The Nelson Museum Archaeology Group updated the site record form for N27/101 after a 1982 site visit, and noted that the site had been damaged by tree roots and as a result of felling and replanting. Consultant archaeologist Amanda Young revisited the site in January 2003 as part of her archaeological assessment for PF Olsen and Co Limited, who were preparing for the harvesting of Pinus radiata from two Council-owned forestry blocks (Blocks 2.1 and 2.3) at the south-western tip of Rabbit Island. Young (2003) observed archaeological deposits associated with N27/101 along the estuarine bank and further inland amongst the pines on western edge of these blocks. The Tasman District Council subsequently applied for an archaeological authority for the harvesting from the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, and an authority was granted in June 2003. Harvesting was subsequently completed in 2004 without archaeological input and the surface evidence of N27/101 was significantly damaged. Remediation works have subsequently been undertaken, with exposed areas of archaeological material being recovered with weed mat and bark, and replanted in natives.

N27/101 is a large midden/oven site that covers an area of approximately 100 - 150 metres. It is exposed in 5-20 centimetre deep sections along the bank of the estuary in the southwestern corner of Rabbit Island, and discrete patches of midden are also visible further inland within the coastal edge of the forestry blocks. N27/101 contains fishbone, oven stones, fire-cracked rock, stone artefacts and shellfish such as pipi and cockles that are typical of midden located within an estuarine environment. Archaeological material associated with N27/101 in the coastal strip behind the estuarine bank was badly damaged as a result of recent harvesting of Pinus radiata and associated forestry vehicle activity, but archaeological material along the coastal bank does not appear to have been affected. Exposed areas of archaeological material have now been remediated.

Information Sources

Other Information

Iwi - Nelson Iwi Resource Management Komiti (Te Atiawa, Ngati Tama, Nagti Koata, Ngati Rarua and Ngati Toa) Imperial Map/Site No: S14/173 Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions.