An archaeological report published today outlines the national significance of Robbins Park on Cliff Road, part of Otamataha Pa.
As part of investigating the site as an option for museum development, Council surveyed the land for potential archaeological values. This surveying was completed this using a new piece of technology called the Stream C Ground Penetration Radar – the first of its kind in New Zealand.
Through this radar mapping, the report shows a number of significant disturbances that have been attributed to pre-European Otamataha Pa activity.
The findings include a significant trench running from the Northern boundary of the site to the Rose Gardens. The presence of this trench aligns with known history about the site.
Heritage Consultant Mr Ken Phillips, who has completed the report, said that the lack of development on this particular land over the past 150 years means that there is a high likelihood that significant intact archaeological features have survived.
“Any intact archaeological evidence within the section of land has high regional and national significance” he said.
Heritage New Zealand’s Lower Northern Area Manager, Ben Pick said that Tauranga has a rich archaeological heritage and it is important that, wherever possible, archaeological features are identified so that this part of our history can be protected, and also celebrated.
“The Cliff Road area is an important part of Tauranga’s archaeological past incorporating features from pre-European and early European times. The information on the archaeological heritage of this area contained in the Cliff Road report will be a useful tool that will help in the management of these features,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout said that this is a major discovery that has a great deal of meaning for Tauranga City and Tangata Whenua.
“We have always known that this was a site of cultural significance, and this report proves there really is a great story to tell,” he said.
“We will be working alongside Tangata Whenua to assess what we do next with these findings, including the option of further archaeological investigations and digs.”
Full Archaeological Cliff Road report (3mb pdf)
Image: Aerial photo showing the location of the Cliff road site.