New Zealand Archaeology Week 2023 is almost here!

This annual week dedicated to promoting Aotearoa’s unique archaeological heritage is co-ordinated by the New Zealand Archaeological Association, with events organised by groups and individuals across the country.

Heritage Taranaki are organising events in Taranaki with assistance from local archaeologists including Heritage Taranaki chairperson Ivan Bruce who is taking a tour of Omata (New Plymouth) archaeological sites, and organisations such HPSF Solutions-Heritage Conservation (https://www.facebook.com/artefactpreservation) who are hosting our open house evening.

Events in Taranaki include:

Conserving the small finds from Daring: Connections to Taranaki

Date and Time: April 26th, 7pm

Location: Online

Summary: Susanne Rawson, Director and Senior Conservator of HPFS Solutions, shares the exciting process of conserving the small finds from the shipwreck Daring and the team that has made this project possible. Daring was recovered from Muriwai Beach in 2018. Learn about the connection of Daring to Taranaki and see examples of the types of objects that were found. This online presentation will be recorded and accessible after the presentation online.

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/91297017075
Meeting ID: 912 9701 7075, Passcode: 604116

Archaeology Open House

Date and Time: April 27th, 7-9pm

Summary: Join HPFS Solutions for a tour of their new studio facilities where they will showcase some of the recent archaeological materials undergoing study.

Registration is necessary at the following link https://forms.gle/7Btwo4CK7DK5pbMH6.
Location and details to be sent after registration. Maximum number of participants is 12.

Omata Archaeological Sites Tour

Date and Time: Sunday, 30th April, 1pm

Location: End of Te Ngahoro Road (off Beach Road), Omata

Summary: Join archaeologist Ivan Bruce as he takes us on a tour of prominent archaeological sites in Omata including the Omata Stockade Historic Reserve and Te Ngahoro Pā. We are also extremely fortunate to have been offered a tour of the replica Omata Stockade with John Matthews. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Carpooling is encouraged due to the shortage of parking. No registration necessary.

Science in Archaeology!

Date and Time: Sunday, 30th April, 3pm

Location: Taranaki Disabilities Information Centre, 28 Young Street, New Plymouth

Summary: Audrey is a graduate student in the Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics programme from the University of Bordeaux in France and is completing an internship with Otago Museum and HPFS Solutions in New Plymouth. Audrey will share her experience as a physical chemistry student and describe how her work applies to cultural materials and archaeology. This presentation/venue has a max capacity of 20 people.

Further details for Taranaki events can be found on Heritage Taranaki’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Heritage-Taranaki-Incorporated/100064454539383/?sk=events, Heritage Taranaki’s website: https://heritagetaranaki.com/and the NZ Archaeological Association’s website: https://nzarchaeology.org/news-events/national-archaeology-week-2023.

Be sure to check out the events on offer and look out for further details on our page – some events are limited to numbers so be sure to register early!