New Zealand Archaeology

Using Diversity Indices to Measure Changes in Prey Choice at the Shag River Mouth Site, Southern New Zealand

by Lisa Nagaoka

2001, International Journal of Osteoarchaeology 11:101-111.

As in the rest of Polynesia, human colonization of New Zealand marked the beginning of tremendous change for the... more As in the rest of Polynesia, human colonization of New Zealand marked the beginning of tremendous change for the native flora and fauna resulting in significant habitat destruction and
numerous extinctions. The loss of numerous native vertebrates, especially economically important taxa such as moas and seals, must have greatly affected the foraging economy of southern New Zealand. The effect that declining abundances of native fauna had on subsistence can be understood through the use of foraging theory models. The prey choice model, in particular, can be used to examine how foragers choose the resources they exploit. From this model we can predict changes in the diet that occur with the loss of important resources. In this paper, I explore the use of diversity indices as one means of measuring these dietary changes. Richness and evenness measures of the faunal data from the Shag River Mouth site are used to evaluate predictions made by the prey choice model about changing diet breadth and foraging efficiency.

Explaining subsistence change in southern New Zealand using foraging theory models

by Lisa Nagaoka

2002, World Archaeology 34:84-102

New Zealand provides one of the earliest examples of foraging theory applications to archaeological situations... more New Zealand provides one of the earliest examples of foraging theory applications to archaeological situations (Anderson 1981). Since this landmark study, significant developments over the last twenty years has led to an increasing number of detailed analyses examining the effects of resource depression on human foraging. In particular, foraging theory analyses have become better at documenting resource depression and integrating butchery/transport studies into these analyses. Using the faunal data from the Shag River Mouth site, I illustrate how these methodological advances have resulted in a more comprehensive understanding of the processes of subsistence change in southern New Zealand.

The effects of resource depression on foraging efficiency, diet breadth, and patch use in southern New Zealand

by Lisa Nagaoka

2002, Journal of Anthropological Archaeology 21:419–442

While many studies have examined human impacts on prehistoric environments, few have explicitly examined how foragers... more While many studies have examined human impacts on prehistoric environments, few have explicitly examined how foragers adapt to the changing environmental situations that they have created. The goal of this analysis is to study the relationship between human foraging economies and human-related environmental change in southern New Zealand. Foraging theory is used to generate predictions about subsistence change resulting from the declining abundance of important resources such as moas and seals. In particular, these predictions examine changes in (1) the kind of resources exploited (foraging efficiency), (2) the number of resources utilized (diet breadth), and (3) the habitats exploited (patch choice). The predictions are tested using the large assemblage of vertebrate faunal remains from the well-stratified and well dated Shag River Mouth site. This study shows that using foraging theory models to structure analysis provides a more fine-grained spatial and temporal resolution of subsistence change in southern New Zealand than has been previously achieved.

Prehistoric seal carcass exploitation at the Shag Mouth site, New Zealand

by Lisa Nagaoka

2006, Journal of Archaeological Science 33:1474-1481

Seal populations in New Zealand declined dramatically during the prehistoric period. The loss of this important... more Seal populations in New Zealand declined dramatically during the prehistoric period. The loss of this important resource significantly affected the foraging practices at the Shag River Mouth site. Previous research documented substantial changes to the diet with the decline of seals and the corresponding decline in foraging efficiency. In this study, I examine how New Zealand foragers altered their use of seal carcasses as the availability of these marine mammals declined. Otariid seal data from the Shag River Mouth site in southern New Zealand are analyzed to test changes in butchery/transport and skeletal element breakage patterns expected with resource depression and declining foraging efficiency. This research shows that at Shag Mouth, seal carcasses were used more intensively over time. However, bone breakage patterns showed little change in the exploitation of within-bone nutrients.

Declining foraging efficiency and moa carcass exploitation in southern New Zealand

by Lisa Nagaoka

2005, Journal of Archaeological Science

The application of foraging theory to understanding carcass exploitation is a relatively recent development. The... more The application of foraging theory to understanding carcass exploitation is a relatively recent development. The methodology developed by archaeological and ethnoarchaeological research on butchery/transport studies has been integrated into a behavioral ecological framework to create models that can be used to understand archaeological carcass exploitation. In this paper, I use such a model to examine how New Zealand foragers altered their use of moa carcasses as the availability of these large birds declined. Moa data from the Shag River Mouth site in southern New Zealand are analyzed to test changes in butchery/transport and skeletal element breakage patterns expected with resource depression and declining foraging efficiency. This research shows that at Shag Mouth, field processing of moas increased and marrow, and possibly grease extraction intensified over time.

Taphonomic analysis of the Twilight Beach seals

by Lisa Nagaoka

In, Islands of Inquiry: Colonisation, Seafaring and the Archaeology of Maritime Landscapes, edited by G. Clark, B. F. Leach and S. Bulmer, pp. 475-498. Terra Australis 79.

Antipodean perspectives on zooarchaeology: Behavioral ecology, taphonomy, and applied research.

by Lisa Nagaoka

2009, Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology 4:164-176.

Zooarchaeological research in New Zealand has a particularly long history, dating from the 1870s. Over the last... more Zooarchaeological research in New Zealand has a particularly long history, dating from the 1870s. Over the last century, it has both followed larger trends in the discipline and developed innovative approaches. Three types of research that reflect these broadermovements and novel approaches are identified in this historical review of New Zealand archeofaunal studies. First, zooarchaeological studies have been used to not only illustrate human impacts on the environment, but also to examine the consequences of anthropogenic environmental change for resident human populations. Second, taphonomic research, beginning with Julius von Haast’s qualitative examinations of moahunter butchering patterns, is considered, particularly studies relating to butchery and carnivore damage. Finally, examples of New Zealand research that are poised to make significant contributions to the burgeoning field of applied zooarchaeology are highlighted.

Archaeological Approaches to Forensic Casework In New Zealand: Review and Future Directions

by Edward Ashby

The current status and potential scope of archaeological approaches to forensic casework
in New Zealand is... more The current status and potential scope of archaeological approaches to forensic casework
in New Zealand is critically reviewed. The development and current practice of forensic
archaeology is outlined demonstrating that the discipline has been successfully
incorporated into crime and disaster scene work in other countries as well as the
international humanitarian arena. The rapid growth of the discipline has led to a level of
professionalism which has established international best practice and demands
commitment from its practitioners including qualifications, experience, and increasing
calls for accreditation. Despite this, and the application of ostensibly archaeological
techniques to clandestine graves by Police and ESR forensic scientists1, currently forensic
archaeology is absent in New Zealand. Factors including low homicide rates, the absence
of suitably qualified forensic archaeologists, a lack of education around what forensic
archaeology is, and economic constraints are considered as possible explanations.
International evidence shows that any case which requires physical spadework for the
recovery of evidence is a case where archaeology can contribute positively, and the low
frequency of such situations need not undermine the importance of maximising evidential
recovery and interpretation and employing best practice. It is argued that the framework
already exists for archaeological approaches to forensic casework in New Zealand, but
has only to be integrated with greater training and education.

Indigenous and Exotic: Archaeozoology of the Te Hoe Shore Whaling Station, New Zealand: a Thesis Submitted for the Degree of Master of Arts in …

by Tiffany James-Lee

Charming Creek Tramway - milling, mining, walkway: a history

by Amy Findlater

Authors: Jackie Breen and Amy Findlater
Published September 2011
Prepared for the Buller Kawatiri Area Office
ISBN: Print - 978-0-478-14898-5; Digital edition - 978-0-478-14899-2

Charming Creek Walkway in the Buller region of the West Coast, follows the lower Ngakawau Gorge and the Charming Creek... more Charming Creek Walkway in the Buller region of the West Coast, follows the lower Ngakawau Gorge and the Charming Creek Valley for approximately 9 km from Ngakawau to the abandoned coal mine.

Mostly it follows the alignment of the historic bush tramway and passes several associated historic sites, including the Bins site at Ngakawau, Watson's Sawmill, Mumm's Sawmill, and the Coal Mine.

The tramway operated from early in the 20th century until 1958. The walkway was subsequently formed during the 1980s. It is recognised for its scenic and natural beauty as well as historic values.

Charming Creek Walkway: baseline inspection report

by Amy Findlater

Authors: Jackie Breen and Amy Findlater
Published September 2011
Prepared for the Buller Kawatiri Area Office
ISBN: Print ISBN: 978-0-478-14900-5, Digital ISBN: 978-0-478-14901-2

Charming Creek Walkway in the Buller region of the West Coast, follows the lower Ngakawau Gorge and the Charming Creek... more Charming Creek Walkway in the Buller region of the West Coast, follows the lower Ngakawau Gorge and the Charming Creek Valley for approximately 9 km from Ngakawau to the abandoned coal mine.

Mostly it follows the alignment of the historic bush tramway and passes several associated historic sites, including the Bins site at Ngakawau, Watson's Sawmill, Mumm's Sawmill, and the Coal Mine.

The baseline inspection recorded historic fabric adjacent to, and on the walkway. This information was then used to assess significance and identify threats.

Foreword: of fishhooks, biscuits and history

by Matthew Campbell

2004. Archaeology in New Zealand, 47(4): 1–3
in M. Campbell (ed) Digging into History: 50 years of the New Zealand Archaeological Association (AINZ special issue)

The archaeology of kakahi (Hyridella menziesi)

by Matthew Campbell

2005. Archaeology in New Zealand 48(3): 101-112

The taphonomy of fish bone from archaeological sites in East Otago, New Zealand

by Matthew Campbell

2005. Archaeofauna 14: 129-137

Late 19th century colonial bird exploitation at Rutland Street, Wanganui, New Zealand

by Matthew Campbell

Stuart Hawkins, Warren Gumbley and Matthew Campbell 2010.Birds in Archaeology: Proceedings of the 6th Meeting of the ICAZ Bird Working Group in Groningen (23.8 - 27.8.2008). Edited by W. Prummel,
J.T. Zeiler & D.C. Brinkhuizen. pp 141-149

The historical archaeology of New Zealand’s prehistory

by Matthew Campbell

2008.  In G. Clark, B.F. Leach and S. O'Connor (eds) Islands of Inquiry: Colonisation, Seafaring and the Archaeology of Maritime Landcsapes: Papers in Honour of Atholl Anderson, 339–350. ANU E Press, Canberra.

Constructing Syntheses of CRM and Academic Based Archaeologies: A Case Study of Mahinepua Peninsula Scenic Reserve

by Edward Ashby

The apparent tensions between cultural resource management, or CRM, and academic archaeologies hinge upon whether... more The apparent tensions between cultural resource management, or CRM, and academic archaeologies hinge upon whether meaningful syntheses can be forged to cater for both the mitigation and management agendas of applied archaeology, and the research and problem-orientated agendas of academic archaeology. The New Zealand Historic Places Trust has attempted to direct the formation of such syntheses through its release of the Draft National Research Framework to which it intends the archaeological community as a whole may turn to for guidance. I attempt to test and explore the applicability and feasibility of the Draft Framework by adopting its research aims of „better understanding Maori settlement patterns and site function‟ and „investigating methods for the management and protection of archaeological heritage‟, employing these within a CRM context. This is accomplished through a landscape approach to the archaeology of Mahinepua Peninsula Scenic Reserve on the East Coast of Northland. The archaeological features present on the peninsula were surveyed and their spatial distributions analysed against the environmental variables of soil, wind exposure, elevation, slope and natural defence in order to understand what factors may have influenced human landscape use over time. The results indicate that there is correlation between certain feature types and the topographic variables of elevation, slope and natural defence, but stops short of being able to adequately address the settlement systems due to issues including restrictive boundaries and scale, and consequently restrictions in data, related to the CRM context of the peninsula. I conclude that while the Draft Framework contributes to wider discussion, the application of it to Mahinepua Peninsula has highlighted some of the theoretical and practical issues involved in bridging problem-orientated research agendas with those of management and mitigation, where a mismatch between the two can result in the application of research strategies to inapplicable or restrictive contexts.

Dating of Rattus exulans and bird bone from Pleasant River (Otago, New Zealand): radiocarbon anomalies from diet

by Nancy Beavan

Beavan-Athfield N.R., Sparks R.J. 2001. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand,
31 (4).

Comment on “Diet-derived variations in radiocarbon and stable isotopes: a case study from Shag River Mouth, New Zealand.”

by Nancy Beavan

Beavan Athfield N. 2006. Radiocarbon 48(1):117–21.

Reliability of bone gelatin AMS dating: Rattus exulans and marine shell radiocarbon dates from Pauatahanui midden sites in Wellington, New Zealand= Fiabilité de la …

by Nancy Beavan