Kerikeri children with evidence that age-old fishing technology still works. Photo / Heritage NZ
Kerikeri children with evidence that age-old fishing technology still works. Photo / Heritage NZ
Many children enjoy nothing more than fishing, and Heritage New Zealand will host an excursion with a difference this week.
The outing is billed as a live archaeological experience at Quince's Landing, a 10-minute drive from Kerikeri. which will be signposted from Wharau Rd, on Wednesday January 3, from 3pmto around 5.30pm.
Te Ika Hari Raumati (Happy Summer Fishing) will use an existing stone fish trap, with Heritage New Zealand demonstrating how Maori, and later Pakeha, used it to catch fish. Participants will also be able to learn some other traditional skills, like using obsidian to make a knife to gut and scale their catch.
"This is a really great opportunity for young people in particular to engage with archaeology and Maori heritage in a fun, hands-on way," Heritage NZ's Northland manager,Bill Edwards said. They would be shown how the trap, believed to be well over 150 years old, had been constructed and how effective it was at catching fish.
There will be room for a maximum of 60 children, who must be accompanied by an adult.
They will need old clothes, suitable shoes (rock hoppers or gumboots) and sunscreen. There will be no charge but bookings are essential - phone (09) 407-0471 or email bedwards@heritage.org.nz
