Graves from NZ wars uncovered
The remains of 12 British soldiers from the New Zealand wars have been uncovered at a significant battle site in Northland.
Archaeologist Jonathan Carpenter made the discovery at Ruapekapeka Pa¯ , near Kawakawa.
Research and a ground penetrating radar led him to discover the site of the British graves – thought to contain the remains of both soldiers and sailors, who were buried in January 1846.
‘‘The graves had last been seen in 1851 – the local community and the local Ma¯ ori community in particular were concerned the men were not adequately acknowledged or cared for,’’ Carpenter said.
‘‘It was a hugely emotional experience and I felt very, very honoured to find them and be able to share their stories,’’ Carpenter said.
Ruapekapeka Pa¯ is the site of a battle between Ma¯ ori, led by rangatira (chief) Te Ruki Kawiti, and British forces led by Lieutenant Colonel Robert Wynyard.
Carpenter carried out the work as part of his thesis into the experiences of British soldiers and had been hoping to discover the remains at Ruapekapeka since first hearing about them in 2004, when he worked as an archaeologist for the Department of Conservation.
Carpenter will continue to work with the Ruapekapeka Trust which cares for the site along with the Department of Conservation and Heritage New Zealand as they work towards an appropriate memorial.
Te Ru¯ nanga o Nga¯ ti Hine acting chairperson Pita Tipene, who descends from both Kawiti and Wynyard, said the discovery meant they could now put the soldiers to rest, honour them and plan an appropriate memorial.
‘‘Given it is a very significant site for Nga¯ ti Hine and finding any human remains is sensitive, whether Ma¯ ori or Pa¯ keha¯ , we want to ensure we treat the finding of the remains with due reverence,’’ Tipene said.
‘‘While saddening for the people who uncovered the remains, it is also exciting that a mystery in our past can be put to rest, we have been wondering for years and years where these people are.’’
A musket ball and a smoking pipe were also found alongside the remains.
Tipene said the graves had been obliterated, with cows roaming the overgrown site.
‘‘It is not how we like to treat our dead whether they be friend or foe,’’ Tipene said.
Talks were continuing into what would be an appropriate memorial, he said.
‘‘While saddening for the people who uncovered the remains, it is also exciting that a mystery in our past can be put to rest, we have been wondering for years and years where these people are.’’
Te Ru¯ nanga o Nga¯ ti Hine acting chairperson Pita Tipene