This is a story from our monthly newsletter, Heritage this Month.
David Watt
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga staff have arranged a number of events in support of New Zealand Archaeology Week 2024, held from 27 April to 5 May.
Archaeology Week is organised by the New Zealand Archaeological Association (NZAA) with the aim of increasing public awareness of archaeology in Aotearoa New Zealand. It promotes the work of archaeologists and the importance of protecting our archaeological heritage.
In the Far North, regional archaeologist Dr James Robinson will talk about the legacy of geologist and map-maker, Hartley Travers Ferrar, whose work in Northland in the 1920s continues to inform archaeologists today. This talk will take place at Kingston House, Hone Heke Road, Kerikeri, on 5 May at 2pm.
In Auckland, Dr Kurt Bennett, a maritime archaeologist and former staff member, will be running a certificate maritime archaeology training course at Highwic on 27-28 April. Kurt has a keen focus on promoting and managing New Zealand’s underwater cultural heritage. He has extensive experience with internationally led projects in the UK, Croatia, Australia and New Zealand. He has been a co-director of the HMS Buffalo re-examination project in New Zealand.
In Wellington, a number of archaeology walks and talks will take place under the leadership of Mary O’Keeffe. Mary is doing a walk through Wellington’s archaeology starting at Te Papa at 11am and finishing at Old Government Buildings around 12.30pm on Wednesday 1 May and again on Sunday 5 May.
Short and Sharp Archaeology presentations will be given by Victoria Grouden, Mary O’Keeffe, Dr Bruce McFadgen, Sarah Dugdale, Latisha Lee and Elizabeth Cox at Wellington City Te Awe Library, Brandon Street from 5.30pm-6.30pm on Wednesday 1 May.
In Kaikōura, Ann McCaw, property host at Fyffe House, will manage archaeology displays and activities for adults and children on Sunday 28 April from 11am-3pm.
Further south in Christchurch, a kids archaeology event will be held at Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House from 1-3pm on Saturday 27 April. At Totara Estate, Oamaru, a Dig into the Past, an Afternoon of Archaeology will be held on Saturday 27 April from 1-4pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free entry and no bookings required.
Dr Rosemary Baird, Senior Outreach Advisor, Canterbury-West Coast is releasing a new resource booklet containing kids' archaeology activities as well as a related Aotearoa Unearthed podcast with Rebecca Cox from Mercury Bay Museum.
Full details of activities for New Zealand Archaeology Week will appear on the NZAA website and Facebook page.
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