Arapohue Poultry Farm: archaeological assessment

Transcription

1 Arapohue Poultry Farm: archaeological assessment report to Tegel Foods Ltd and Tonkin + Taylor Arden Cruickshank CFG Heritage Ltd. P.O. Box Dominion Road Auckland 1024 ph. (09) arden.c@cfgheritage.com

2 Arapohue Poultry Farm: archaeological assessment report to Tegel Foods Ltd and Tonkin + Taylor Prepared by: Arden Cruickshank Reviewed by: Date: 25 August 2017 Matthew Campbell Reference: CFG Heritage Ltd CFG Heritage Ltd. P.O. Box Dominion Road Auckland 1024 ph. (09) arden.c@cfgheritage.com

3 Arapohue Poultry Farm: archaeological assessment Tegel Foods Ltd has entered into a sale and purchase agreement for the site at 5763 State Highway 12, Arapohue (Allotment 145 Parish of Arapohue, Allotment 146 Parish of Arapohue, Pt Allotment NW1 Parish of Arapohue, Lot 1 DP 80493, Pt Allotment NE6 Parish of Whakahara, Pt Allotment S6 Parish of Whakahara, Lot 2 DP , Pt Allotment M6 Parish of Whakahara, Pt Allotment SW8 Parish of Whakahara, Lot 2 DP , Pt Allotment NE8 Parish of Whakahara, Allotment 9 Parish of Whakahara) to establish a free range poultry farm, in which a resource consent will be required. There are two archaeological sites recorded in the New Zealand Archaeological Association (NZAA) Site Recording Scheme (SRS) on the property. Tonkin & Taylor (T+T) on behalf of Tegel Foods Ltd commissioned CFG Heritage Ltd to undertake an archaeological assessment of the property, to support the resource consent application. Statutory requirements All archaeological sites, whether recorded or not, are protected by the provisions of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 and may not be destroyed, damaged or modified without an authority issued by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga (Heritage NZ). P08/28 P08/32 Figure 1. Location of 5763 SH12, showing archaeological sites recorded in the vicinity.

4 An archaeological site is defined in the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act as: (a) any place in New Zealand, including any building or structure (or part of a building or structure), that (i) was associated with human activity that occurred before 1900 or is the site of the wreck of any vessel where the wreck occurred before 1900; and (ii) provides or may provide, through investigation by archaeological methods, evidence relating to the history of New Zealand; and (b) includes a site for which a declaration is made under section 43(1). The Resource Management Act 1991 requires City, District and Regional Councils to manage the use, development, and protection of natural and physical resources in a way that provides for the wellbeing of today s communities while safeguarding the options of future generations. The protection of historic heritage from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development is identified as a matter of national importance (Section 6f). Historic heritage is defined as those natural and physical resources that contribute to an understanding and appreciation of New Zealand s history and cultures, derived from archaeological, architectural, cultural, historic, scientific, or technological qualities. Historic heritage includes: historic sites, structures, places, and areas archaeological sites; sites of significance to Maori, including wahi tapu; surroundings associated with the natural and physical resources (RMA Section 2). These categories are not mutually exclusive and some archaeological sites may include above ground structures or may also be places that are of significance to Maori. Where resource consent is required for any activity the assessment of effects is required to address cultural and historic heritage matters. Methodology Records of archaeological sites in the general vicinity were accessed from the SRS through ArchSite ( and incorporated into the project GIS. The Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga (HNZPT) digital library was searched for records of archaeological investigations in the area. Old maps and survey plans held by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) were accessed using QuickMap. Historic newspaper articles were accessed through Papers Past (paperspast.natlib.govt.nz), and historic imagery was accessed through the Sir George Grey special collections maintained by Auckland Library ( Aerial photography of the area was obtained from Opus International Consultants Ltd. Georeferenced maps were obtained from the University of Auckland Cartographic and Geospatial Resources Repository ( auckland.ac.nz/). The property was investigated on foot. Due to the large scale of the survey area (approximately 258 Hectares) a targeted survey methodology was implemented. This methodology involved focussing on areas where drains, erosion, fence lines, animal damage and tree throw have exposed the soil, in which evidence of previous modification of the landscape may be evident. No invasive methods such as test pitting were employed. Field assessment was undertaken by Matthew Campbell and Arden Cruickshank of CFG Heritage Ltd with assistance from Sian Canton of the University of Auckland on 3 August Arapohue Poultry Farm

5 Background The dominant soil on the river flats is Kaipara clay loam, a poorly drained alluvium that would have supported flax, raupo and kahikatea swamp prior to modern drainage (DSIR 1954). The soils of the hills are podzolic Okaka and Rockvale clays that would have been under kauri forest. None of these soil types are particularly fertile or suited to kumara horticulture but swamps would have been exploited for resources such as flax and birds, while the hills could have used to store kumara on dry ground. Archaeology Archaeological survey in the Northern Kaipara has been limited, and mainly restricted to forestry blocks near Rototuna on the western side of the Wairoa River (Bruce 2001; Coster 1980; Hawkins 2003; Johnson 1996; Johnson 2015). There does not appear to have been any archaeological surveys on the eastern side of the Wairoa River in the vicinity of these properties. There are a number of sites that have been recorded in the area by Tony Walton in 1982 from aerial photographs of the area, including two on the property. Unfortunately, the only information on many of these site records is the site type, with no further information about site relocation, size or visible features. Previously recorded sites There are two previously recorded sites within the property boundaries, P08/28 and P08/32. Both of these sites were recorded by Tony Walton in 1982 using aerial photography, and no further information about the sites was recorded. These sites were not visited by an archaeologist at the time and have not been visited since. Field survey The survey concentrated primarily on the river flat where the broiler sheds are to be located, and the hilly areas surrounding the two previously recorded pa (P08/28 and P08/32). The property is heavily waterlogged, and pugging from cattle would have made any midden deposits within the paddocks easily visible. Survey on the river flats concentrated primarily on the exposed ground and drains to see if any archaeological material had been disturbed through farming practices. Drains were generally 2 m wide and about 800 mm deep. Running alongside them were races metalled with crushed lime, raised about 250 mm above the surrounding paddocks. No archaeological evidence was found on the river flats. As well as looking for evidence of pre-european landscape use, attention was paid in the hills for evidence of milling and gum digging. Kauri gum digging in particular might be expected to leave clear marks on the landscape in the form of pits. P08/28 This pa (P08/28) had been recorded by Tony Walton in 1982 off aerial photographs of the area, but no information was recorded about the site. The site was relocated 30 m east of the point provided by ArchSite. Arden Cruickshank 3 CFG Heritage Ltd.

6 N metres P08/28 P08/32 Figure 2. The recorded and corrected locations of P08/28 and P08/32. Figure 3. Typical drains and races on the river flats. 4 Arapohue Poultry Farm

7 Figure 4. View northwest from P0/32 towards The Wairoa River. Remnant terrace Pit 1 Pit 2 Farm track N Figure 5. Sketch plan of P08/28. 0 metres 5 Arden Cruickshank 5 CFG Heritage Ltd.

8 Figure 6. View of the summit of P08/28, looking south. Figure 7. Remnant terrace at the north end of P08/28, looking west. Figure 8. Farm track that has obscured the terrace on the west flank of P08/28, looking south. 6 Arapohue Poultry Farm

9 The site is a small pit and terrace site, damaged by farm tracks and probably by erosion, which may originally have been a pa as recorded by Walton. It measures 35 x 18 m with a remnant terrace measuring 18 x 3 m at the northern end, and two storage pits on the top measuring 5 x 2.5 m and 4 x 2m. There is a farm track which runs around the western side of the site and has probably destroyed the terrace on this side of the site. If there was a further terrace on the east and south sides of the pa these have probably been destroyed by soil creep and erosion. P08/32 This site (P08/32) was recorded by Tony Walton in 1982 from aerial photographs of the area. The only information listed on the site record form is 180 ft spot height in the aids to relocation section. A georeferenced copy of the 1969 Ruawai map was obtained and added to the project GIS. This map showed the spot height 140 m northeast of the point provided by ArchSite, where two water tanks are currently located. The area surrounding the hill on which the spot height is located was inspected and the ridgeline down to the point provided by Archsite was also inspected. The top of the hill is somewhat uneven which could be evidence of infilled kumara pits, but this is uncertain. Water tank installation may have damaged archaeological features here; if so subsurface evidence will survive. Summary P08/28 was the only definite archaeological site noted within the property, and appears to be a single small pa, with at least one terrace remaining. This pa has been heavily modified by the creation of a farm track along its western edge. P08/32 is a much less certain site. The lack of pre-european Maori archaeology elsewhere is most likely an indication that the area was not heavily utilised due to poor soil conditions for growing and storing kumara. It could be assumed that any gum digging holes that may have existed would have been filled in by farmers in the interim. Figure 9. View west from 180 spot height towards the Wairoa River. The current ArchSite point for P08/32 is by the pine trees at the end of the ridge. [IMG_3777] Arden Cruickshank 7 CFG Heritage Ltd.

10 Assessment The following assessments of values and significance relate only to archaeological values. Other interested parties, in particular mana whenua, may hold different values regarding the greater Mangere area, including the Mangere Inlet and its tributaries. Assessment of values P08/28 Condition Rarity Context Information Amenity Cultural The pa has been heavily modified through the construction of a farm track along the western side, at the same level as the northern terrace. The summit of the hill has two storage pits which appear to be in fair to good condition. This site has moderate condition values. Pa are highly visible archaeological sites. In the Northern Kaipara they are one of the most commonly recorded site types, but this is largely because many of the sites recorded in this area were from aerial photographs, which would only identify those sites with clearly defined and visible features. Their dominance would be likely to change if large scale archaeological survey was undertaken in the area. P08/28 has moderate rarity values. This site is part of the archaeological landscape of the Northern Kaipara and the Wairoa River. The archaeological significance of the Kaipara is high; yet under recorded and with further surveys a better picture will emerge about past land use. P08/28 has high context values Although the property has been subject to ploughing and other farming related activities and the site has been heavily modified through the construction of the farm track along the western edge, there are some intact features on the pa which could provide information about the use and timing of the pa. P08/28 has high information values This site has some intact elements to it, and although it is on private land, it could easily be interpreted to the public. P08/28 has low amenity values The cultural values of this site can only be determined by mana whenua. Assessment of significance The main values of this site are its context and information values. This area of the Northern Kaipara has not been subject to intensive archaeological survey or investigation, and this site as one of the few in the area to be surveyed adds to the knowledge of pre-european settlement and land use the Northern Kaipara. Assessment of effects The current design for the chicken farm consists of 32 free range poultry sheds (approximately 2750 m2 in area), a number of rainwater storage tanks, utility and storage sheds and an energy centre building, where a litter burner is proposed to be located. The broiler sheds and ancillary buildings, energy centre building, rainwater storage tanks and the water treatment plant are all located on the flat drained wetlands in the western portion of the property. No archaeological 8 Arapohue Poultry Farm

11 Figure 10. Proposed layout of the Arapohue Poultry Farm. Arden Cruickshank 9 CFG Heritage Ltd.

12 material was noted in this area and due to its poor drainage, it is unlikely that any subsurface archaeological material would be found in these paddocks. Five new water bores are proposed on site; none of these are within 50 m of the recorded archaeological sites and will not affect them. Four new dwellings are proposed on site, on the same hill as P08/32 to the north and west of the site; none of these are within 50 m of the recorded archaeological sites and will not affect them. Recommendations These recommendations are only made on the basis of the archaeological values that have been outlined above. Any other values associated with special interest groups, including tangata whenua, can only be determined by them. It is recommended that: any infrastructure related to the construction of the chicken farm be located at least 50 m from recorded archaeological sites P08/28 and P08/32; there are no further identified archaeological constraints on the proposed project; any development should take place under an Accidental Discovery Protocol (a draft protocol is appended to this report). References Bruce, I Archaeological Survey and Assessment of Compartment 38/3, Evergreen Rototuna forest, Rototuna, North Kaipara Head. Unpublished Northern Archaeological Research Ltd report to Northland Forest Managers. Coster, J Pouto State Forest (2F and Southern Section) Unpublished New Zealand Forest Service Report. Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) General survey of the soils of North Island, New Zealand. Soil Bureau Bulletin (n.s.), 5. R.E. Owen, Government Printer, Wellington. Hawkins, S Archaeological Survey and Assessment of Compartments 23, 24, 25, 26 and 31, Evergreen Rototuna forest, Rototuna, North Kaipara Head. Unpublished Northern Archaeological Research Ltd report to Evergreen Forests Ltd. Johnson, L Archaeological survey of the 1995 planting areas, fire break and Jimmy s Paddocks, Evergreen Pouto Forest, Rototuna, North Kaipara Head. Unpublished Northern Archaeological Research Ltd report to Northland Forest Managers. Johnson, L Archaeological Monitoring of the Logging of Compartments in Rototuna Forest, North Kaipara (NZHPT Authorities 9900/111; 1998/89 and 2003/69). Unpublished Northern Archaeological Research Ltd report to Northland Forest Managers. 10 Arapohue Poultry Farm

13 Accidental Discovery Protocol In the event of the accidental or unexpected discovery of archaeological features, including human remains: 1. All work within the vicinity of the discovery should cease immediately. 2. A buffer of at least 5 m should be set up around the discovery and this should be marked on the ground, preferably with pegs and tape, or similar. 3. All machinery and plant should be removed from the buffer zone where this is possible. 4. The site archaeologist, or other qualified archaeologist, should be informed. i Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga (HNZPT) should be informed. ii If the discovery is of Maori origin, the relevant tangata whenua authorities should also be informed. Appropriate protocols (tikanga) should be observed. iii If the discovery is of human remains, the New Zealand Police should also be informed. 5. The archaeologist should take relevant steps to secure the area of the discovery. 6. The archaeologist will assess the discovery and advise HNZPT and the client on the relevant steps to be taken. 7. Works in the area of the discovery shall not recommence until authorised in writing by the archaeologist in consultation with any identified affected parties or HNZPT. Arden Cruickshank 11 CFG Heritage Ltd.

14 NEW ZEALAND ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION NZAA SITE NUMBER: P08/28 Site Record Form SITE TYPE: SITE NAME(s): Pa DATE RECORDED: SITE COORDINATES (NZTM) Easting: Northing: Source: CINZAS IMPERIAL SITE NUMBER: N23/18 METRIC SITE NUMBER: P08/28 Scale 1:2,500 Finding aids to the location of the site Brief description PA Recorded features Other sites associated with this site Printed by: matthewcampbell 18/07/ of 3

15 NEW ZEALAND ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION SITE RECORD HISTORY Site description NZAA SITE NUMBER: P08/28 Condition of the site Statement of condition Current land use: Threats: Printed by: matthewcampbell 18/07/ of 3

16 NEW ZEALAND ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION SITE RECORD INVENTORY Supporting documentation held in ArchSite NZAA SITE NUMBER: P08/28 Printed by: matthewcampbell 18/07/ of 3

17 NEW ZEALAND ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION NZAA SITE NUMBER: P08/32 Site Record Form SITE TYPE: SITE NAME(s): Pa DATE RECORDED: SITE COORDINATES (NZTM) Easting: Northing: Source: CINZAS IMPERIAL SITE NUMBER: N27/111 METRIC SITE NUMBER: P08/32 Scale 1:2,500 Finding aids to the location of the site Brief description PA Recorded features Other sites associated with this site Printed by: matthewcampbell 18/07/ of 3

18 NEW ZEALAND ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION SITE RECORD HISTORY Site description NZAA SITE NUMBER: P08/32 Condition of the site Statement of condition Current land use: Threats: Printed by: matthewcampbell 18/07/ of 3

19 NEW ZEALAND ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION SITE RECORD INVENTORY Supporting documentation held in ArchSite NZAA SITE NUMBER: P08/32 Printed by: matthewcampbell 18/07/ of 3