Kaipara Harbour's archaeological wonders to feature in Dargaville talk

Some of the archaeological features of the Kaipara Harbour, above, will be under the spotlight for New Zealand Archaeology Week later this month.

Some of the special archaeological sites around the Kaipara Harbour will feature in a public talk in Dargaville this month during New Zealand Archaeology Week.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga will highlight the special nature of the Kaipara Harbour's archaeological features in a public talk on April 29 as part of the week which runs from April 28 to May 6.

Titled The Archaeology of the Kaipara Harbour, the talk will provide an overview on the archaeology of the Kaipara, and what it can tell us about its past environment along with what has changed over the years.

The talk will be presented by Bill Edwards, Heritage New Zealand's Northland manager and Dr James Robinson, Heritage New Zealand's Northland archaeologist.

It will draw on information from written historical sources as well as the archaeology of the area.

"The archaeology of the Kaipara Harbour area reflects different patterns of historic settlement, land use and other factors that have helped to shape this place," Edwards said.

"The Kaipara was a much sought-after area for Maori to settle with its rich fish stocks and fertile soils, and this can be seen in the archaeological features of the area."

The Archaeology of the Kaipara Harbour is at the Dargaville Museum on April 29 from 1pm, with free admission.