2. Mangatawa catchment consents for earthworks, storm water ...

3
Methodology
Prior to the archaeological survey the records of the New Zealand Archaeological
Association (NZAA) were consulted to determine whether any archaeological sites
had previously been recorded on or in the immediate vicinity of the property. Early
survey plans, aerial photos and archaeological reports relating to the area were also
reviewed.
A visual inspection of the affected properties was carried out by Ken Phillips on 9
April 2008. The survey focused on relocating previously recorded archaeological
sites and identifying any previously unrecorded sites. The ground surface was
examined for evidence of former occupation (in the form of shell midden,
depressions, terracing or other unusual formations within the landscape, or indications
of 19th century European settlement remains). Subsurface testing based on spade test
pitting was carried out to determine whether buried archaeological deposits could be
identified. Particular attention was paid to the elevated spurs crossing the corridor in
the vicinity of Kairua Road and the subdued back dunes between Te Maunga and
Mangatawa Lane. Disturbed soils and soil profiles exposed in cuttings were
examined where encountered for evidence of earlier settlement, and an understanding
of the local stratigraphy.
A second visit to the properties was carried out by Ken Phillips and Matire Duncan
(Ngapotiki representative) on 10 April 2008.
PHYSICAL LANDSCAPE
The affected properties are located on the western edge of the Papamoa Dune Plain on
either side of the State Highway 2 (SH 2) road reserve between the Te Maunga
roundabout and Domain Road. Land affected by the proposal includes drained
wetlands, deflated back dunes and low ignimbrite and tephra based spurs.
Between Te Maunga and Mangatawa Lane the construction corridor follows the
alignment of a subdued back dune described in 1904 as covered in titree and short
fern. The dune was used as a principal walking track in prehistory and several track
alignments have been recorded on old survey plans. 1 Raised land to the west of
Kairua Road and extending north of Taranaki Lane is described as covered in high
titree in 1904. Wetlands are variously described as very wet swamp covered in raupo
and rushes in 1904 2 and flax, manuka and wiwi in 1911 3 .
Much of the land within the construction corridor has been significantly modified by
the construction of SH 2 and the East Coast Main Trunk Railway in the first half of
the 20 th Century while more recent modification including drainage of the wetland
between Mangatawa and Tip Lanes work and subdivision development on the
subdued dunes within and immediately north of the proposed construction corridor.
1 ML 7136
2 ML 7136
3 ML 8133