Hangi pit final treasure

The exceptional find has been described as bad timing, because the excavation has ended, with no plans to continue digging.

Excavation work stopped yesterday, and the team closed the site today. The purpose of the dig was to prepare for the return of Rangitane tupuna (human remains) and artefacts which were taken from the site up to 70 years ago.

Leader Richard Walter said a huge, stone-lined hangi pit had been found in one of the artefact excavation sites.

"It had been dug and constructed as a hangi, and filled in with rubbish."

The team uncovered a rubbish pit last week containing dog and bird bones. Further digging this week revealed the two-metre-deep hangi pit.

"We have never seen one like this before on any archaeology site in the country. We were not expecting to find it.

"It was completely new to us and we are very interested in finding out about it."

Dr Walter, an associate professor of the University of Otago's anthropology department, said there could be several more on the site. Analysis would reveal the significance of the pit.

The discovery of the hangi pit was described as bad timing by Dr Walter, because archaeologists begin to close up the site today.

"Often during an excavation, we find something new at the finish and then we have to stop that's archaeology."

There were no plans to return to excavate the site.

The excavation has revealed moa and bird bones, stone adzes, the remains of three houses and a Haast's eagle bone.

"We have addressed Rangitane's concerns and got the quality of information that we really wanted.

"We can walk away pleased with our work, and with no regrets.

"But we still have that idea that there is still research here for future generations."

Dr Walter said the team was leaving with new information about the site that it did not have before, including the findings of the 700-year-old house remains and the hangi pit. The team also had better quality site maps and better site samples. It will spend tomorrow night in Blenheim before leaving on Sunday.

Material found on site will be taken to the University of Otago for analysis over the next two years, with bird bone taken to Canterbury Museum.

Rangitane chairperson Judith MacDonald said the archaeologists had done a fantastic job.

"We are now looking forward to the next step in bringing our people home."

Rangitane development manager Richard Bradley said: "I feel really positive about what the future of the site holds for our people and Maori people in general."

Anyone entering the site could face criminal conviction and a maximum fine of $40,000. "Archaeologists in New Zealand are always worried about looters and fossickers," Dr Walter said. "I think people will come over, but Rangitane will be watching the site."

The two-hectare area has been prepared for the reburial of Rangitane tupuna and artefacts taken by the Canterbury Museum for display and study purposes between 1938 and 1959.

Three sites would be used for the tupuna reburial in April. The area is also being excavated for artefacts. The project is a partnership between Rangitane, Canterbury Museum, the Department of Conservation and the University of Otago.

- The Marlborough Express