Radar confirms old human remains at tavern site

Opponents of plans for apartments at the prime waterfront site believe the discovery boosts their case. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Further evidence of human remains has been found at the site of one of Auckland's oldest hotels.

Archaeological investigations at Devonport's Masonic Tavern revealed that one of the North Shore's first building sites was also a graveyard.

Proof that the site was used as a burial ground emerged some years ago with one discovery but yesterday an expert revealed a further step.

Bev Parslow, the Auckland area archaeologist for the Historic Places Trust, said her organisation was told on Friday that koiwi (human remains) had been discovered in a trench dug near the bottlestore at the site on King Edward Parade, on the waterfront.

A consultant geotechnic firm made the discovery after it used ground-penetrating radar.

"In one of two trenches, they discovered koiwi. It's not unusual, because there was evidence to suggest there may be koiwi there, but that was not picked up in initial assessments," she said.

Now, iwi would be called in and discussions held to decide on the next step, Ms Parslow said.

Any trenches dug as part of the investigations would be back-filled, and further evidence of human remains was anticipated.

The trust is appealing against the redevelopment of the tavern, which dates back to 1866.

The Redback Develop company proposes to put apartments on the site and owner Peter Thwaites said he was relaxed about the discovery. He remained confident he could still build.

"Good things take time - that's what the ad says and that's what this will be," Mr Thwaites said.

Claudia Page, co-convener of the Masonic Friendly Society, which opposes Redback, said the find was significant.

"This illustrates what we have always believed, that it is a very important site of both Maori and European significance. It shows that no development should be allowed until there is a full investigation of its contribution to our early history." .

Margot McRae, chairwoman of Devonport Heritage, agreed.

"This is important and proves that this site is very significant and has a long and fascinating history."

The opponents are in the Environment Court mounting a case against development. A hearing was adjourned last month and will resume on March 30.

The court initially refused to accept any archaeological evidence about the Devonport site, so the group went to the High Court at Auckland seeking a fixture to oppose that decision.