a) Fragmented shell covers an area of 10m x 4m on the ridgeline.
The midden contents appear to be mainly tuatua with a few
gastropods.
b) A small patch of shell, 1.0 m in diameter, is exposed
approximately 70 m east of a). It consists of crushed bivalves.
Tuatua is the only identifiable species.
DISCUSSION
The land between Maunganui Bluff and the Waihaupai Stream has obvious advantages
for Maori occupation - a variety of readily accessible seafoods, and a strip of fertile
Red Hill sands just inland from the coast. The traditional importance of these
resources was emphasised by kaumatua Paiwiko Anania in evidence given to the
Maori Land Court in 1939. His testimony indicates that major settlements and gardens
were located at Manuwhetai to the west of the proposed subdivision, and at
Whangaiariki further inland (Acheson 1939).
Archaeological sites identified on the proposed subdivision do not suggest intensive
occupation of this particular area. With the exception of N22/7 they are either single
terraces or shell middens. However, it is possible that originally sites were more
extensive than indicated by their present remains. The sandy soil, steep hillslopes and
more than a century of European farming has undoubtedly resulted in modification and
destruction of features.
The terrace sites are located on steep—sided ridges overlooking the sea. They were
probably house sites associated with gardens on the gentler slopes and valleys, and
may have been contemporary with the nearby pa N18/5 on Manuwhetai, which would
have provided a refuge in times of warfare. The middens possibly represent more
transitory camp sites for fishing and shellfish collection.
LD
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