Digging the dirt on our history in Mangonui

Digging the dirt on our history in Mangonui

People in Doubtless Bay will have a golden opportunity to dig a little deeper into the archaeological history of their district on May 1st.

The NZ Historic Places Trust’s Northland Regional Archaeologist, Brooke Jamieson, will give a public talk entitled An Introduction to NZ Archaeology with the NZHPT at the Mangonui Hall (6pm, May 1).

“We also want to encourage people to come along and share information about the history of the wider Doubtless Bay area, and in particular places where they think archaeological features may exist,” says Brooke.

“There’s a huge amount of local heritage knowledge out there in the community, and we’re very keen to tap into that. We’ll also be running some displays, and a fun quiz for people to test their archaeological wits, followed by supper. It’s going to be fascinating and fun.”

Brooke worked in Ireland as a contract archaeologist for eight years on a number of archaeological excavations in different parts of the country throughout that time. In 2009, she and her husband Wes – also an archaeologist – moved back to New Zealand.

The couple moved to Northland in September last year, where Brooke has been working as the NZHPT’s Northland Archaeologist.

“Doubtless Bay is an archaeologist’s dream. Here you’ve got a fascinating archaeological landscape which includes pre-European Maori settlement pa sites as well as intense early 19th Century European occupation at Butler’s Point,” she says.

“I’m looking forward to sharing some of that knowledge with people from around the area – and also learning more about Doubtless Bay’s wider archaeological and historical landscape from others.”

An Introduction to NZ Archaeology with the NZHPT takes place at the Mangonui Hall on May 1, 6pm. Bookings recommended – contact AdminasstNA@historic.org.nz or phone 09-407-0470. Admission free – all welcome.

ENDS

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