Update: Human skeleton found in Papamoa

A human skeleton has been found during construction work at the Papamoa Beach Top 10.

4.05pm: The excavation of a human skull in Papamoa today has uncovered a skeleton.

Heritage New Zealand regional archaeologist Dr Rachel Darmody could not say how much of the skeleton was buried together as it was still being uncovered.

"They are still in the process of uncovering it."

It was not unusual to uncover a skull in Papamoa but it was a bit more unusual to find a full burial, she said.

Archaeologists were working closely with Nga Potiki iwi and the Papamoa Beach Top 10 Holiday Park land owners.

In similar cases, the remains are left with iwi, she said.

She confirmed it was historic human remains but said it was too early to say exactly how old it was.

3.00pm: A human skull has been uncovered during construction work at the Papamoa Beach Top 10 Holiday Park.

Holiday park general manager Rebecca Crosby confirmed the skull had been found late yesterday morning during construction work on site.

Heritage New Zealand regional archaeologist Dr Rachel Darmody confirmed it was a historic human skull but said no testing could be done until iwi had been informed.

It was still partially covered in sand and would remain in-situ and roped off until iwi had visited the site, she said.

Tauranga City Council spokesman Marcel Currin said Nga Potiki iwi had been contacted in relation to the skull and were now working with Heritage New Zealand.

Police Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner said finding a human skull in the Tauranga and Mount Maunganui area was not uncommon.

"Tauranga has significant burial areas pre-dating European settlement."

Skulls would be found in the area about three times a year, he said.