Moa bones discovered during highway replacement work
Moa bones have been found at the site of the long-awaited new highway between Manawatu¯ and Hawke’s Bay, replacing the shut road through themanawatu¯ Gorge.
The find has been hailed by the Te Ahu a Turangamanawatu¯ Tararua Highway project site archaeologist as being of great significance.
The bones of at least two smaller-sizedmoa have been found, with further smaller bird bone fragments still to be analysed.
The largest completemoa bones found so far include a tibia bone about 350 millimetres long and two femur bones of varying lengths, both from the right side of the bird, which indicates at least two moa. A pelvis bone, vertebra and other leg bones have also been uncovered.
The discoverywas made on Tuesday last week, when crews were undertaking excavation work in a gully at the western end of the new highway site over the Ruahine Range. ‘‘The team was really excited when it became clear what they’d found. It’s not every day we dig a hole and come across amoa,’’ said Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency project spokesman Lonnie Dalzell.
‘‘It’s not unusual on projects like this for us to uncover animal bones, midden, and sometimes even koiwi (human remains), but moa bones are rare.
‘‘We believe it is one of first moa bones finds in the area, and is an amazing discovery for our project wha¯nau and the region.’’
Following the discovery the areawas cordoned off and earthworks halted until project site archaeologist Patrick Harsveldt and kaitiaki representatives could inspect the find.
Further bones were discovered after the initial find and Harsveldt began his archaeological investigation with the help of kaitiaki representatives.
‘‘As kaitiaki it was important for us to monitor the investigation and ensure the correct tikangawas followed,’’ said kaitiaki coordinator Terry Hapi.
‘‘Wewere concerned the find could potentially be koiwi, butwe were all very excited when we realised these were moa bones. It was a privilege to be able to assist in the archaeological excavation.’’
Harsveldt said he was delighted with the find, which was rare for the area.
‘‘This discovery of in situ moa bones is of great significance for the region. Archaeological investigations are currently continuing to determine whether there is any evidence of human activity in association with the moa bones, such as butchery marks.’’
Moa became extinct in the 15th century.