Excavation may dissolve iwi friction

Pouroto Ngaropo, a spokesman for Bay of Plenty tribe Ngati Awa, addresses a prayer ceremony before the Historic Places Trust excavation begins at the Matata development. Picture / Alan Gibson

Archaeologists hope a dig for human remains will end tension between rival iwi groups battling over a controversial subdivision development at Matata, near Whakatane.

The development sits in the centre of coastline where Maori fought a bloody intertribal battle in 1864.

A group opposed to the subdivision says the remains of those who died should not be disturbed.

The group, which has representatives from Tuwharetoa, Ngati Umutahi, Ngati Rangitihi and Ngati Pikiao, said evidence existed to show the site was also once a burial ground.

But the Ngati Hinerangi Trust, which owns the site, wants to press ahead with the development.

It had gained resource consent but was prevented from carrying out work when human remains were discovered on the site in late 2003.

The Historic Places Trust ordered a more detailed archaeological examination to determine its history.

The dig was eventually carried out in pouring rain on Wednesday.

Archaeologists from the trust used a digger to trawl for bones in several spots.

Senior archaeologist Dr Rick McGovern-Wilson said the excavation's aim was to prevent a lengthy battle in the Environment Court.

"We hope through the work that we do we can reach some understanding between all the parties," he told representatives from both sides who gathered for karakia before the dig.

Ngati Hinerangi Trust spokesman Don Bennett said any remains found would be moved to an adjacent reserve, interred, and honoured with a memorial plaque.

He said the dig could help unite the various iwi involved in the 1864 Te Kaokaoroa battle.

"It would be good to bring closure to that whole sorry part of our history."

But Colleen Skerrett-White, who has sought injunctions in the Maori Land Court and Environment Court to stop the subdivision, said it was wrong to disturb the site.

Ms Skerrett-White said remains covered in kokowai (red ochre), which was used to coat bodies buried in graves, had been uncovered in the past, proving the site was a wahi tapu.

She likened the excavation to the recent disturbance by roadworks of soldiers' remains at Gallipoli.

"It's not nice to see them [the remains] desecrated."

Ngati Umutahi and Ngati Tuwharetoa iwi resource management adviser Anthony Olsen said the dig was archaic.

"For the kaumatua, you are actually digging up our grandfathers and grandmothers," the Auckland University geomorphologist said.

Ms Skerrett-White said allowing the Matata subdivision to go ahead set a dangerous precedent for the destruction of Maori urupa on private land.

The Historic Places Trust will not reveal whether any remains were found.

It is preparing a report for the Environment Court.