Nā Peter Matai Johnston
On February 27, 2025, Ngati Hei joined the University of Auckland archaeology department visiting the field school dig at Ahuahu (Great Mercury Island). This trip marks the continuation of a partnership that has been in place for over 10 years, with the shared goal of recording and saving the cultural heritage of Ahuahu.
Members from Ngati Hei included Craig Balsom, Johnny Johnstone, Kelly Macpherson, Toya Johnston, Aberam Fleetwood, Greer George, Jan Courtenay, Lyle Wood, and Peter Matai Johnston.
Whakawhanaungatanga: As the motu Ahuahu is subject to overlapping interests, an invitation to Ngati Huarere was extended to accompany our rōpu, which was gratefully accepted by Wanda Brljevich, Lorraine Anderson, Earl Adams, and Steven Mareroa.
Mention needs to be made of the tireless efforts of Tania Dixon (Ngati Hei Kaiwhakahaere), and her contribution to the organisation of the excursion. Tania was closely assisted by Kelly Macpherson, enabling the trip to take place smoothly. On the 18th of February, kaumātua, Joe Davis, welcomed the University Field school in Whitianga, covering their activity with the korowai of karakia before they embarked towards the motu. The day of the 27th itself warranted extra care in guiding people, and the offering of safety instructions – these duties were warmly embraced and outworked by Craig Balsom and Johnny Johnstone, ensuring everyone’s safety.
The kaupapa of Te Whare Wananga o Tamaki Makaurau on Ahauahu began over 10 years ago.
In a partnership comprised of mana whenua Ngati Hei, the island owners Fay and Richwhite, and the University of Auckland – it was decided to, “record and save the cultural heritage that was disappearing due to erosion”.
Left to right: Section of an old posthole revealed by erosion. The archaeological dig on Ahuahu. Hangi pit with stones.
Causes of erosion are mainly twofold, those being through intensive farming practices, and through natural inundation caused by the elements of te tai ao (large rain events, high wind events, large tidal surges).
Much of the work revolves around teams of students working together to excavate grids, document artefacts and record discoveries. In many instances, digital recording is undertaken utilising a Total Station. These sophisticated instruments are used to precisely map and record the spatial dimensions of archaeological sites, artefacts and features. This digital data set can then be utilised to render detailed three dimensional models of dig sites, creating accurate documentation of the cultural landscape. This modelling is used to extrapolate proposals pertaining to past human activities. Many Ngati Hei sites of significance exist only as a mental and digital record now – and further work is necessary to capture other sites that are under threat of disappearing. Continuing to practice our culture creates new sites. Mauri ora!
Hāngi pit are commonly unearthed during the course of the investigations, and are the leading contributor to the abundance of fire cracked rock that comprises a great deal of the artefacts recorded. The other main source of stone artefacts recovered from sites consist mainly of Tuhua, Pukaki, and Aotea sourced matā, and Tahanga basalt. Also present in large quantities throughout the cultural lens, is charcoal, giving the occupation layer a notably darker colouration.
The day trip was considered a major success, with all parties determined to see the relationship and accompanying activities continue into the future.
Funding the initiative is the greatest challenge in ensuring the ongoing pursuit of this kaupapa, and securing the resourcing required for it to continue is a constant challenge for those maintaining the vision.
This day trip in the field would not have been achievable without some assistance from our Treaty partners, Te Papa Atawhai. Their generosity supplied Ngati Hei with the service of biosecurity screening (which is a requirement before landing on Ahuahu), and also made available their waka, “Kuaka”, for ferrying the rōpu to and from the motu.
All in all, a valuable time in the rohe for the tangata o Ngati Hei, reconnecting with their taonga, and walking their whenua. Stay tuned for the next one…
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