Wharauwerawera Settlement Site

Archaeological Features: Eroding midden in edge of drain.

Supporting Evidence: An exploratory excavation in 1977 found two main cultural horizons; an early horizon dated by radiocarbon to between 350 and 700 years old containing animal bones and Archaic artefacts, and a later horizon less than 350 years old containing animal bones and many classic artefacts.

Assessment: The midden contains remains of Archaic Maori occupation stratified below Classic Maori occupation. It is largely undisturbed, which is an extremely unusual situation for an Otago site and it is therefore a rare, possibly unique site important for understanding the culture change from Archaic to Classic Maori in Murihiku.

Wharauwerawera Settlement Site, Purakanui | Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga

List Entry Information

Overview

Status

Listed

List Entry Status

Historic Place Category 1

Access

Private/No Public Access

List Number

5681

Date Entered

4th April 1984

Date of Effect

4th April 1984

City/District Council

Dunedin City

Region

Otago Region

Extent of List Entry

Extent includes part of the land described as Sec 1-2 of Sec 40, Blk IV, North Harbour and Blueskin SD (RT OT13A/451), Otago Land District and the archaeological sites, thereon.

Legal description

Sec 1-2 of Sec 40, Blk IV, North Harbour and Blueskin SD (RT OT13A/451), Otago Land District

Location Description

Site is located at Long Beach, Purakina, not far from Beach Road.

Status

Listed

List Entry Status

Historic Place Category 1

Access

Private/No Public Access

List Number

5681

Date Entered

4th April 1984

Date of Effect

4th April 1984

City/District Council

Dunedin City

Region

Otago Region

Extent of List Entry

Extent includes part of the land described as Sec 1-2 of Sec 40, Blk IV, North Harbour and Blueskin SD (RT OT13A/451), Otago Land District and the archaeological sites, thereon.

Legal description

Sec 1-2 of Sec 40, Blk IV, North Harbour and Blueskin SD (RT OT13A/451), Otago Land District

Location Description

Site is located at Long Beach, Purakina, not far from Beach Road.

Reference

Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau

Public NZAA Number

I44/23

Completion Date

26th April 1982

Report Written By

B. McFadgen

Information Sources

New Zealand Journal of Archaeology

Other Information

This place was identified as significant under previous legislation with different information requirements. It remains significant under the current legislation. There is opportunity under our legislation and policies to add to this information. Further information about this place may be available from the Otago/Southland Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. 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.

Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau

Public NZAA Number

I44/23

Completion Date

26th April 1982

Report Written By

B. McFadgen

Information Sources

New Zealand Journal of Archaeology

Other Information

This place was identified as significant under previous legislation with different information requirements. It remains significant under the current legislation. There is opportunity under our legislation and policies to add to this information. Further information about this place may be available from the Otago/Southland Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. 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.

Further Information

Former Usages

General Usage: Maori

Specific Usage: Midden

General Usage: Maori

Specific Usage: Umu/ umu tī/ fireplace/ hearth/ hāngī stones

General Usage: Ruin

Specific Usage: Misc Archaeological

Themes

Of Significance to Maori

Archaeological Site (HPA 1980)

Former Usages

General Usage: Maori

Specific Usage: Midden

General Usage: Maori

Specific Usage: Umu/ umu tī/ fireplace/ hearth/ hāngī stones

General Usage: Ruin

Specific Usage: Misc Archaeological

Themes

Of Significance to Maori

Archaeological Site (HPA 1980)

Location

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Wharauwerawera Settlement Site

Wharauwerawera Settlement Site

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