Bones found near Tauranga deemed 'historic'

The bones were found on Rangiwaea Island near Tauranga. Photo / Google Maps

Bones found washed up on Rangiwaea Island near Tauranga have been deemed "historic", according to police.

Officers responded to reports of bones found on the shore of the island about 8am yesterday. It could not be determined whether the bones were human.

A Tauranga harbourmaster spokesman confirmed that they attended the scene, but directed questioning to police.

Police were making inquiries and liaising with local iwi, a police spokeswoman said.