The NZ Transport Agency, Heritage New Zealand and local hapū are excavating what could potentially be a defensive trench from the New Zealand Land Wars or the inter-tribal Musket Wars.
Contractors were widening the side of State Highway 29a in Matapihi for the installation of a safety median barrier when the discovery was made.
The site had previously been identified as being in an area of archaeological significance for three hapu; Ngāi Tukairangi, Ngāti He and Ngāti Tapu.
Work was stopped immediately and the agreed cultural protocols were enacted with the hapū.
The Transport Agency’s Bay of Plenty State Highways Manager, Niclas Johansson, said it is early days but the find could be significant.
“We expected to find kumara and fire pits and we have an authority from Heritage New Zealand for the works, but we did not expect to see something like this.
“This could be nationally significant so it’s important that we keep the site closed and take the time now to find out as much as we can so we can honour the tāngata whenua who were affected by this part of our history.”
The Project Archaeologist, Sian Keith, says the site will be excavated and all details will be recorded so a fuller picture of what has been found can be painted.
“The trench is about 40 metres long and appears to have been used as a coastal defence around the 1830s to 1860s.
“It is away from other well-known battle sites around Tauranga and depending on the date it could add some important information to the national historic record,” Miss Keith says.
The hapū and the Transport Agency will continue to work in partnership to ensure the correct cultural practice is carried out. A representative from Ngāi Tukairangi, Ngāti He and Ngāti Tapu will remain on site to monitor the excavation.
The speed limit will remain at 70km/h throughout the construction site to decrease the risk of any serious crashes occurring.
The median barrier project is expected to be completed by the middle of this year.
Discussions will also continue between the Transport Agency, the hapū and Heritage New Zealand on how the site might be able to be permanently acknowledged.
Excavation of test trench through the military trench
Military trench with two test trenches
