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

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DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
Summary of Results
There are 7 recorded archaeological sites within 300m of the proposed construction
corridor. None of the 7 sites falls within the affected properties; however, there
remains a possibility that unrecorded subsurface archaeological sites are present
within the affected areas which may be disturbed by ground disturbance associated
with the construction of the Tauranga Eastern Motorway.
Archaeological Significance
This part of the Bay of Plenty is rich in archaeological evidence of Maori occupation,
the majority of recorded archaeological sites relating to the period before the arrival
of Europeans. The recorded sites may be significant individually because of the
archaeological information they contain relating to the history of Maori occupation in
the area, but they also gain significance as components in a wider archaeological
landscape. The nature and sequence of occupation over time is best understood with
reference to the full range of sites within the area and the relationship between them.
Any subsurface archaeological sites that may be present within the construction
corridor may have the potential to ad to our understanding of the nature and antiquity
of the surrounding pre European Maori cultural landscape.
General Considerations
This is an assessment of archaeological values and does not include an assessment of
Maori values. Such assessments can only be made by the tangata whenua.
It should be noted that archaeological survey techniques (based on visual inspection
and minor sub-surface testing) cannot necessarily identify all sub-surface
archaeological features, or detect wahi tapu and other sites of traditional significance
to Maori, especially where these have no physical remains.
Effects of Proposal
The proposed construction corridor for the Tauranga Eastern arterial between Te
Maunga and Domain Road will not impact on previously recorded archaeological
sites. No previously unrecorded archaeological sites where identified during the April
2008 archaeological survey. However, in any area where many archaeological sites
have been recorded in the general vicinity it is possible that unrecorded subsurface
remains may be exposed during ground disturbance associated with the project. If
sites are present they would be destroyed by the road construction. Should sites be
located in the course of road construction, an Authority from the NZHPT would be
required before work could proceed (see below). It is therefore recommended that an
Authority is applied for in advance of earthworks as a precaution so that delays can be
avoided. If sites are present they should be recorded and if necessary investigated
under the conditions of an Authority from the NZHPT, to mitigate their destruction in
the course of road construction.