By Ben O’Connel
Organised by the New Zealand Archaeological Association (NZAA), Archaeology Week aims to raise public awareness about archaeology in New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa. It highlights the significance of protecting the country’s archaeological heritage and showcases the work of archaeologists
Events take place throughout New Zealand and encompass a variety of activities for people of all ages. These include public lectures by archaeologists on various topics related to New Zealand’s past, historical walks led by experts that allow participants to explore archaeological sites first-hand, family-friendly events at museums, where kids can learn about archaeology through interactive activities and special exhibitions showcasing archaeological finds and Māori cultural treasures.
If you’re interested in learning more about New Zealand Archaeology Week, the NZAA website has information about past events and resources: https://nzarchaeology.org/. You might also find details about upcoming events organised by local archaeological groups or museums.
Kid-Friendly Archaeology Resources
A kid-friendly archaeology resource kit has been launched as part of New Zealand Archaeology Week (April 27-May 5). Collated by Christchurch-based Dr Rosemary Baird, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Senior Outreach Advisor, the kit of posters, information sheets, and an activity booklet is available on the Heritage New Zealand website https://www.heritage.org.nz/ for people to download and print free of charge.
“Archaeology activities are really popular with kids; we know this from our experiences running archaeology events over the years,” says Rosemary. “There’s something about children being able to get hands-on with archaeology that brings the past to life. It’s fun and interactive – and a great way for them to learn.”
The resource kit draws on input from several archaeologists, including those working for Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, as well as staff members who manage its network of historic properties that are open to the public around the country. Museum professionals, including Rebecca Cox of the Mercury Bay Museum in Whitianga, also contributed.
Rebecca believes archaeology is an important tool that helps the museum tell the stories of its rohe – homelands and iwi territories. “With my work on the HMS Buffalo shipwreck here in Mercury Bay, I developed a further understanding of how archaeology – including maritime archaeology – is an important part of our history, and really important for our local history,” says Rebecca.
“Using archaeology in our outreach programmes has been a game-changer for us here at Mercury Bay and the students involved are able to gain a better understanding and a love of history. Archaeology also ties in very nicely with the Aotearoa NZ Histories curriculum and so we link it wherever we can,” she says.
“I have really enjoyed collaborating with Heritage New Zealand on creating a resource that includes some of the archaeology activities that we have run here in the Museum and in our community. It is so awesome to know that these can be shared far and wide, and we can grow another generation that has a love of history and all things archaeology!”
Archaeology in The Classroom
The activity booklet took several years to complete according to Rosemary – and for a very good reason.
“We kept adding to it as we were given more ideas and suggestions from people like Rebecca, as well as colleagues and archaeologists from around the country,” she says. “What we have ended up with is something quite special that’s also been well ‘road-tested’ with children in a number of settings. I’ve been so grateful for the generosity of others in sharing their ideas and resources.”
“Archaeology is not just about excavating treasures from the past. It’s about sorting, caring for, and documenting artefacts. We want kids to have a go at interpreting artefacts and the context in which they were found so they can think about how people lived in New Zealand many years ago,” Rosemary says.
The resource kit includes detailed, practical set-up instructions for teachers, staff at galleries, archives, libraries, museums, and parents. The activities can also be linked with different subjects in the New Zealand curriculum, including science, art, and Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories.
People wanting to learn more about how kids’ archaeology activities work in real life can download a new Aotearoa Unearthed podcast episode featuring a conversation between Rebecca Cox and Rosemary Baird about running archaeology activities for kids.
Aotearoa’s History
Archaeology is a shovel into the past of Aotearoa, uncovering stories that can’t be found just by looking at written records. For a long time, people thought Māori settled around 800 AD. Thanks to new dating methods, archaeology now suggests it was closer to 1300 AD, as written in Mass Migration and the Polynesian Settlement of New Zealand (Walter et al., 2017). This changed our understanding of how quickly Māori society developed.
On food and adaptation, archaeologists find remains of plants and animals, showing how Māori adapted to different environments and what they ate. This reveals resourcefulness and connection to the land and illustrates the impacts of colonisation without Western bias
Archaeological sites from the European arrival onwards show how Māori and Pākehā interacted. These can include trade goods, abandoned settlements, and even battlefields. Archaeological sites help us understand the complexities of colonisation and how Māori society functioned before Pakeha arrived, providing another window into daily life, social structures, and trade routes.
It’s important to remember that archaeology isn’t a one-person show. Te ao Māori, whakapapa understanding, and oral traditions are all often integrated with archaeological finds to create a more complete picture of the past.
In sum, archaeology is more than dinosaurs! Archaeology contributes to our nation’s understanding of itself, its history, and, in turn, modern identity. This education extends beyond teaching tamariki in classrooms – this collaborative approach helps ensure Aotearoa’s history is told accurately and respectfully.
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