Archaeology
Archaeological sites are an irreplaceable representation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s history, and here at Lignum Lab we want to be a part of their recognition and protection, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and engage with their history.
The heritage of a place is as important in its story as the next phase of its development. Lignum Labs believes that we can both cherish the past while also adapting to the present and preparing for the future. Through the recognition and recording of archaeological sites, we can all be better informed about the history of an area and look for creative solutions to protect it and incorporate it into developments for the future. Lignum Lab wants to make archaeology affordable and accessible so that the protection of sites is a privilege and celebration rather than a chore. Lignum Lab considers it a privilege to be a part of recognising and recording this heritage so that we can preserve the stories of the past and give a voice to the archaeological sites and features that might otherwise be overlooked.
In New Zealand, archaeological sites relating to human activity prior to 1900 are protected by the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014. Therefore, it is important to consider whether a project might physically impact archaeology during the planning stages. Lignum Lab can undertake basic archaeological assessment and recording and provide advice on site avoidance and legislative requirements.
As part of our ethos Lignum Lab wants to make archaeological services affordable and accessible and will tailor a quote to your needs.
It is important to note that it is not always possible to identify with complete accuracy whether archaeology, particularly subsurface archaeology, may or may not be present, Lignum Lab can only give an indication of potential and risk based on the information available. However, any project, regardless of known potential, should be working under an Archaeological Discovery Protocol (ADP), to be followed in the event of an unexpected discovery of archaeological material. Lignum Lab is happy to provide a copy of their ADP. You can also obtain the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Archaeological Discovery Protocol by contacting your local office.
Get in touch.
To enquire about Lignum Labs archaeological services, please complete the following form, it is useful to include as much detail about what you are looking for. Please note that archaeological services are subject to availability.
FAQs
What is archaeology and what is an archaeological sites
Archaeology is the study of human history through material culture i.e. artefacts, structures and buildings, archaeological features i.e. midden or rubbish dumps, and material associated with human activity such as charcoal from a cooking fire or umu.
Archaeological sites are areas where remnants of these human activities are located and can be studied. An archaeological site may be visible above ground like a building, structure or earthworks, but they may also be subsurface and not visible above ground including building/structure remnants, rubbish dumps, gardening soils, umu/oven, midden.
Archaeological sites are common throughout New Zealand. Never take it for granted that archaeology is not present even if your project area is a flat field. The basic needs of people have not changed much through time, areas where people are drawn to now are often the same areas that people have been drawn to in the past.
Why should I care about archaeology?
Because archaeology is awesome.
Archaeological sites in New Zealand provide information that tells us about the history of an area. The more information we obtain from archaeological sites, the more we can piece together an understanding of the past. The more information, the richer the history and who knows when that history might be related to your ancestors or tupuna. In some cases, archaeological information can reconstruct the lives of specific people or provide insight into little understood aspects of the lives and industries in New Zealand history. The possibilities are exciting and endless when archaeological sites are carefully and properly investigated.
But if all that is not your jam, it also comes down to the law, it is a criminal offence to modify an archaeological site without an authority from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014, all archaeological sites relating to human activity prior to 1900 are protected. In addition, some archaeological sites are also protected in District Plans. Failure to comply with the legislation may be costly to you and your project.
What if there is an archaeological site on my property?
It is not uncommon for people to be worried about having a recorded archaeological site on their property might mean, but as long as you aren’t doing anything that will physically modify the site, it doesn’t affect you at all except for getting to enjoy your little bit of history. It can even be useful to have the archaeological sites on your property surveyed by an archaeologist to record all the sites so you know where and what they are, that way if you are planning work in the future it will be easy to design your works to avoid or factor it into your plan and budget.
If you have works undertaken on your property under an archaeological authority such as excavation for a new building or service line, then any archaeological material, except taonga tuturu, remain the property of the landowner and you can advise your archaeologist if you want to keep the material or if you would like it disposed of.
Why do I need an archaeologist?
Archaeologist are trained in identifying and recording archaeological sites, which means they have the tools and knowledge to give you all the information you need to manage archaeology on your property or for your project. Archaeologist are interested in bridging the gap between the archaeology that may be affected by your project and you achieving your goal. By bringing in an archaeologist in the planning stages of a project, you can identify ways to avoid the archaeology or incorporate it into your design, which both protects the site and saves you money.
The interpretation of archaeological sites considers several factors, most importantly context, by looking at where artefacts or features are in relation to others or within the ground we can develop a complex picture of what was happening on the site. Fossicking, or the removal of archaeological artefacts without recording, removes all the context of the find, taking away almost its entire story. That loss of information cannot be undone and you never know how important that site may have been in the history of an area, industry, family, or whanau.