15th Century Artefacts Return Home

Monday March 7 was a significant day for South Taranaki as the Waitore Artefacts, 15th century relics of human habitation in the district were returned to Aotea Utanganui – Museum of South Taranaki.

The taonga were first discovered by the late Livinsgston Baker in the 1960s. He found pieces of wood protruding from the mud on his farm after a creek had been in flood. Over the next eight years more taonga were found. He eventually managed to organise a dig with a team of archaeologists from Auckland University. Carbon-dated to the 15th century, these artefacts are among the earliest evidence of humans living in New Zealand.

At that time the museum in Patea did not have a suitable environment for storing or displaying these precious treasures, so they were cared for by Puke Ariki in New Plymouth. With the new museum building having appropriate temperature and humidity controls, it was time for these taonga to return home. They were accompanied on their journey by Puke Ariki staff and members of their Kaumatua Kaunihera.

A rapturous welcome awaited them – kaumatua and representatives of four local iwi, children from the Wai-o-Turi Kohanga Reo and students from Patea Area School, along with museum staff were waiting in brilliant sunshine to receive these taonga. After an emotional powhiri, the taonga were passed into the care of the museum. They will play an important role in the exhibitions that are currently being readied for display.

The new museum opens to the public on April 30 at 11am. All welcome!