KEY POINTS:
A major intersection upgrade on Auckland's North Shore is back on track after an archaeologist's report found a midden, uncovered during the project, is of little historic or educational value.
The midden - a site where food remains such as shells and bones and charcoal from fires were thrown or buried - was discovered in July when a pohutukawa tree was removed from the Esmonde Rd-Lake Rd construction site in Takapuna, halting the upgrade.
The archaeologist's investigation, conducted on behalf of North Shore City Council, found the midden dated to the 19th century, and contained oyster, cockle, mussel and paua shells as well as glass, ceramics and iron.
"The absence of charcoal, ash and rocks indicates that whoever deposited the shell was not using traditional Maori cooking methods," the report said.
Midden sites may date back to pre-European settlement and can provide evidence of the lifestyle and diet of local Maori, or early European settlers.
North Shore City Council's group manager projects, maintenance and operations, Wally Potts, said the Historic Places Trust had now given council contractors approval to proceed with the upgrade.
"It was important for us to go through the correct procedures to have the site investigated.
"Now these procedures have been followed, we can get back to work," Mr Potts
He said the delay would push up the cost of the upgrade but he could not give a specific figure.
- NZPA
