NZAA Annual Conference 2022 - Archaeology and the Climate Crisis
2022-11-21 - 2022-11-24 | Otago University, 640 Cumberland Street, North Dunedin, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
The 2022 New Zealand Archaeological Association was held at the University of Otago in Ōtepoti Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand from 21st – 24th November.
The theme for the conference was ‘Archaeology and the Climate Crisis’.
Post conference summary >>
Conference Programme
Sunday 20 November

Pre-conference icebreaker evening event

Monday 21 November

Mihi whakatau
Paper sessions
Public event: Panel Discussion at Tūhura Otago Museum

Tuesday 22 November

Paper sessions
Poster presentations
Event – Anthropology at Otago: 100 years

Wednesday 23 November

Field trip to Sinclair Wetlands hosted by Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau Sinclair Wetlands Trust, Lawrence Chinese Camp where met with members of Lawrence Chinese Camp Charitable Trust, visit to Gabriels Gully, end the day at Weatherstons Brewery.
The Kaihura (Māori archaeologists) caucus

Thursday 24 November

Paper sessions
Conference closing
Conference dinner held at Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula

Download full conference programme >>
Acknowledgements
The New Zealand Archaeological Association gratefully acknowledges the support of the following sponsors:

NZAA Annual Conference 2023 - Archaeology and Resilience
2023-07-04 08:00 - 2023-07-07 17:00 UTC | Sky City Hamilton, 364 Victoria Street, Hamilton, 3204, New Zealand
The 2023 New Zealand Archaeological Association Conference will be held in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton from the 4th – 7th July.
As we continue to battle Covid-19, recent weather events across the country and the ongoing impacts of climate change, the term resilience has become more and more common in current discourse. The theme for this year’s conference is therefore Archaeology and Resilience. This broad theme aims to encapsulate a range of topics including, but not limited to

Adaptive responses to changing environments and past or future events.
Archaeological and heritage perspectives on contemporary issues.
Projects that promote collaboration and partnership, Mātauranga Māori and improve the well-being and resilience of communities, sites and places.
Cultural heritage and diversity as a source of resilience.

REGISTER NOW
Call for Sponsors
We are seeking sponsors for this years conference. Your sponsorship will help to ensure that the conference is a great success and contribute to building your profile in the archaeology and heritage sectors. More information on sponsorship options can be found here.
Paper Submissions
We invite proposals for paper presentations. While not required, papers addressing the conference theme are welcome. Depending on the number of accepted papers, presentations will be between 15 and 20 minutes long. Note that there will be no concurrent sessions, so please get in early if you wish to secure a spot in the programme.
We encourage contributors to acknowledge the hapū/iwi with mana whenua over their wāhi rangahau (research locations) and the roles that representatives from those hapū/iwi had in the project.
If you would like to propose a special session, please contact the Papers Coordinator (papers@nzarchaeology.org) before Friday 19 May. Special session chairs will be responsible for organising the submission of paper proposals in their sessions.
For paper proposals please email papers@nzarchaeology.org with the following information:

Please indicate if your paper addresses the conference theme, Archaeology and Resilience, is part of a special session or can be accommodated in general sessions.
Contact details for the corresponding author (the person who will receive all communication regarding the presentation).
Name and affiliation of all authors
Paper title – should be no more than 20 words
Abstract – no more than 250 words (no images)

Posters must be A1 or A2 size. Please email the author names, poster title and an 80 – 100 word abstract to papers@nzarchaeology.org for consideration.
Key dates:

Call for papers and posters opens – 21 April 2023
Closing date for paper and poster proposals – 26 May 2022
Early bird registration closes – 31 May
Notification of acceptance to presenters – early June
Confirmation of programme – 15 June 2023
Online registration closes – 22 June

All presenters must register for the conference to be included in the programme. Presenter registration including payment of the registration fee must be completed no later than 15 June 2023.
Venue
SkyCity Hamilton
346 Victoria Street, Hamilton

Accommodation
Discounted rates for conference attendees are available at Novotel & Ibis Tainui Hamilton.
Find out more >>
Conference Programme
Full Conference Programme

Monday 3rd July

Evening – Pre-conference ice-breaker event

Tuesday 4th July

Morning – Mihi whakatau and conference opening
Midday – Student luncheon
Afternoon – Paper sessions

Wednesday 5th July

Morning – Paper Sessions
Midday – Poster session
Afternoon – Paper sessions
Evening – Public Talk: The Waikato Horticultural Complex

Thursday 6th July

Field Trip – NZAA conference attendees had the honour to visit several wāhi tupuna (ancestral places), including pā and rua kirikiri (“borrow” pits) associated with māra kai (food cultivations) that have been a focus of recent research projects in the Waikato region. NZAA thanks mana whenua for their manaakitanga in hosting us during the fieldtrip to several wāhi tupuna in Waikato. Taupiri Marae hosted us at Te Uapata Pā, Ngāti Tamainupō at Horotiu, and Ngāti Apakura at Mangakaware and Mātakitaki Pā. Ka nui te mihi anō ki ngā mana whenua i whakatau mai i a mātou. It was a very special day!

Friday 7th July

Morning – Paper sessions
Afternoon – AGM and paper sessions
Evening – Conference dinner at SkyCity

REGISTER NOW The New Zealand Archaeological Association gratefully acknowledges the support of the following sponsors:

NZAA Annual Conference 2024
2024-07-02 08:00 - 2024-07-05 17:00 | Beachside Nelson Conference and Events Centre, 70 Beach Road, Tahunanui, Nelson, 7011, New Zealand
The 2024 New Zealand Archaeological Conference will be held in Whakatū Nelson from the 2nd – 5th July, with a pre conference fieldtrip on the 1st July.
Registration
ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSED
Venue
Beachside Nelson Conference and Event Centre
70 Beach Road, Tahunanui
Nelson 7011
Dave Robson Memorial Fund NZAA Putea Tautoko
The New Zealand Archaeological Association would like to announce the Dave Robson Memorial Fund NZAA Putea Tautoko, which has been established to facilitate iwi Māori attendance and participation at the NZAA Annual Conference or conference-related events. More information and how to apply can be found here.
Call for Papers now Closed
We invite proposals for paper presentations. Depending on the number of accepted papers, presentations will be between 15 and 20 minutes long.
Note that there will be no concurrent sessions, so please get in early if you wish to secure a spot in the programme.
If you would like to propose a special session, please contact the Papers Coordinator (papers@nzarchaeology.org) before Friday 17 May. Session chairs will be responsible for organising the submission of paper proposals in their sessions.
For paper proposals please email papers@nzarchaeology.org with the following information:

Contact details for the corresponding author (the person who will receive all communication regarding the presentation).
Name and affiliation of all authors
Paper title – should be no more than 20 words
Abstract – no more than 250 words (no images)

Posters must be A1 or A2 size. Please email the author names, poster title and an 80 – 100 word abstract to papers@nzarchaeology.org for consideration.
Key dates:

Call for sessions, papers and posters open 5 April 2024
Registration opens 19 April 2024
Closing date for sessions, paper and poster proposals 17 May 2024
Notification of acceptance to presenters End May
Early Bird Registration closes 31 May 2024
Confirmation of programme Mid June
Online registration closes 23 June 2024
All presenters must register for the conference to be included in the programme. Presenter registration including payment of the registration fee must be completed no later than 23 June 2024.

Accommodation
Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park is offering a 10% discount on accommodation for conference attendees.
Conference Programme
FULL CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
Monday 1st July

Pre-conference field trip – Rush Pool pakohe/argillite quarry 12:30pm-4:30pm.

The trip will be led by local pakohe expert Ruihana Smith, Te Pou Hapai Taiao for Te Runanga o Ngati Kuia. This field trip will involve walking approximately 3km uphill partly on a tramping track so suitable fitness is required. The trip will be 3-3.5 hours return. Note: the Rush Pool trip is separate to the main conference field trip.
The trip leaves from the Maitai Dam. Transport can be arranged from the airport and central Nelson if required. Please register your attendance and if transport is required on your ticket purchase.
This is a free event with a suggested donation of $15.00.

Note: There will not be an evening Ice Breaker event this year.

Tuesday 2nd July

Welcome and Paper sessions 8am-5pm.

Wednesday 3rd July

Paper sessions 8am-5pm.
Public lecture at Suter Art Gallery 7pm-8pm.
Free visit to Nelson Provincial Museum Pupuri Taonga o Te Tai Ao 8pm-10pm.

Free bus transport from the conference venue leaves at 5.30pm, returning at 9.30pm.

Thursday 4th July

Conference field trip to Abel Tasman via boat 9am-3pm.

A bus will take participants from Tāhunanui to Kaiteriteri. At Kaiteriteri the Sea Shuttle boat will be boarded to cruise up the Able Tasman coastline. Places of cultural, historical and archaeological interest will be pointed out as well as tourist highlights such as Split Apple Rock and Tonga Island seal colony. Shore stops will be made at Medlands Beach / Bark Bay to view Māori archaeological sites in the vicinity; and at Tonga Quarry to look at the remains of the early twentieth century quarry. The boat will return to Kaiteriteri at about 3.30. A short stop will be made at one of the nearby pā on the way back to Nelson. A picnic lunch will be provided.
Bus transport will run from the conference centre from 8am, returning from boat wharf at 3.45pm.

Friday 5th July

Paper sessions 8am-5pm.
AGM.
Conference dinner at local Māpua restaurant The Jellyfish 6pm-11pm.

Bus transport will leave from conference centre at 5:30pm, returning at 11pm. Tickets are required and can added to conference ticket purchases.

The New Zealand Archaeological Association gratefully acknowledges the support of the following sponsors: Image caption: Awaroa Inlet, one of the stops on the field trip.

Archaeology Kids Day
2025-04-26 11:00 - 14:30 | Totara Estate, 565 Alma-Maheno Road, Oamaru, 0492, New Zealand
Free entry for all
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wear old clothes, water and dirt involved!
Have a go at digging, cleaning, sorting & analysing artefacts with archaeologists from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
Check out the exhibition of archaeology posters in the Granary.
Food & beverage available for purchase.
No booking required, just come along, and join in!

Location: Totara Estate, 565 Alma Maheno Road, Alma, South Island, 9492

Selfies with Sites
2025-05-03 09:00 - 2025-05-11 17:00 | Piha Community Library, 19 Seaview Rd, Piha, 0772, New Zealand
Come and explore Piha’s history on a self led scavenger hunt visiting key archaeological sites around Piha.
Visit Piha Community Library during Archaeology Week to collect your map and get hunting!
Prize for every completed map and spot prizes for #selfieswithsites!
PLUS – a ‘sandpit’ dig for the littlies on May 3rd from 10am at the Library.
For more information drop into the Library or visit www.pihaarchaeobotany.co.nz

Young Archaeologist's Workshop
2025-05-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Te Waimate Mission, 344 Te Ahu Ahu Road, Waimate North, Northland, 0472, New Zealand
Calling all young explorers! Join us for a free hands on archaeology workshop designed for kids aged 7 – 12 to celebrate Archaeology Week. In this workshop you will have the chance to excavate items from your own mini dig, just like a real archaeologist. In teams of two, you’ll carefully uncover hidden artefacts and learn about the tools and techniques used in the field. It’s a great way to get a taste of what archaeology is all about.
After you have found your items, you’ll move onto cleaning, sorting and cataloguing them. This part of the workshop will teach you how to handle artefacts with care and understand their importance.
Finally, you’ll analyse the results of your dig. What can these artefacts tell us about the past? You’ll work together to piece together the story behind your discoveries.
This workshop is free of charge and open to ten children only, reservation is essential.
https://collections.humanitix.com/archaeology-day
Wear old clothes and prepare to get mucky! Bring morning tea and a water bottle.
The event will be under cover of a marquee, but in extreme weather we will postpone to a later date.

Explore Kawatiri Coastal Trail
2025-05-03 10:00 - 2025-05-11 17:00 | The Museum of Kawatiri, 123 Palmerston St, Westport, New Zealand
Where History Flows (open to join- self-guided walk/bike track)
Travel the Carters beach to Kawatiri River trail -to find information on Māori Archaeological Sites – take a photo on the trail-upload to;
rama@kawatirimuseum.co.nz with your name and contact details receive a virtual certificate & drop into The Museum of Kawatiri for info. Images will be used for this event on our website and as part of The Kawatiri Trail marketing event.
Free to join – no booking required.
Show case of Māori Artefacts from Kawatiri Carters Beach. The Museum of Kawatiri & Pounmau Pathway Kawatiri – local $10 visit adult –local $5 visit children

Meet an archaeologist and have a go!
2025-05-03 11:00 - 13:00 | Highwic House, 40 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
As part of New Zealand Archaeology Week, join us at Highwic to meet some archaeologists and learn about what they do. See some of the artefacts found on site and have a go at being an archaeologist. A fun hands-on session ideal for children 7-12, accompanied by an adult.
For more information contact highwic@heritage.org.nz
To book go through Eventbrite.
https://HighwicMeetAnArchaeologist.eventbrite.co.nz
Children $12, Adults Free (includes house visit) Bookings Essential

Walk Through Time Archaeology Tour
2025-05-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Te Waimate Mission, 344 Te Ahu Ahu Road, Waimate North, Northland, 0472, New Zealand
Discover the rich history of Te Waimate Mission on our guided archaeology walk, perfect for all ages. Join us as we tour the remains of the fourth Anglican mission station and early theological college still visible on the surface. Examine the surrounding landscape to gain a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural heritage and early Māori-Pākehā encounters. Our knowledgeable host will share stories about the site’s past, bringing history to life as we wander through this significant location.
The tour also includes a visit to the mission house – the second oldest standing building in Aotearoa – where you can explore the preserved interiors and imagine what life was like in the 1800’s.
Tickets are $20 per person, or free for HNZPT Members, and spaces are limited to 20 people, so be sure to book your spot for this educational experience.
https://collections.humanitix.com/archaeology-day
Ticket price includes entry to the house (usually $10) and a tea break.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION

For all ages, but aimed more at adults and children 12 and over.
Easy walk across flat, but uneven, terrain. Approximately 1km over an hour.
Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear for tramping around paddocks.
Please advise any dietary requirements when booking.
Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
In extreme weather we will postpone the walk to a later date (you’ll be notified by email)

Stone Wall Workshop
2025-05-05 10:00 - 2025-05-09 17:00 | TBC
A five day workshop on the conservation and repair of stone walls in Kerikeri, Northland. Day 1: Māori and European use of stone, looking at stone field sites and early European pastoral farming.
Day 2: Examination of three pre 1840 stone structures to look at stone type and building methodology.
Day 3-5: Practical skill workshops of repairing and conserving stone walls with a master mason at Edmonds Ruins.
Cost: $400 for 5 days
Please bring field clothes, boots, rainwear. Tuition, lunches, transport to sites and safety equipment provided.
For further details contact Jan Danilo or Bill Edwards
JDanilo@heritage.org.nz or bedwards@heritage.org.nz 09 407 0470

Quick Fire Archaeology Presentations
2025-05-05 17:30 - 18:30 | Te Awe Library, 29B Brandon Street, Wellington, New Zealand
Several quickfire archaeology presentations (5-10mins each), showcasing recent archaeology field work, sharing research interests and bringing old projects back into light.
Speaker panel TBC.
Free Entry.

The Museum of Kawatiri
2025-05-06 10:00 - 11:00 | The Museum of Kawatiri, 123 Palmerston St, Westport, New Zealand
Discovering What Lies Beneath: Shell Taxonomy at The Museum of Kawatiri
6th and 8th may shell taxonomy (fully booked)
PACT student inclusive learning module shell taxonomy /Māori middens Kawatiri (fully booked)
Shell images (realistic or hand-drawn)
Shell names (scrambled) including English and Te Reo Māori

Show case of Māori Artefacts from Kawatiri Carters Beach. The Museum of Kawatiri & Pounamu Pathway Kawatiri – local $10 visit adult –local $5 visit children

‘Wonders of Civilisation: Ancient Mexico’
2025-05-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Whangaparāoa Library, 9 Main St, Whangaparāoa, Auckland, New Zealand
Something a bit different…
Join us for an insightful talk exploring the rich history, culture, and legacy of ancient Mexican civilizations from an Indigenous Mexican perspective. A journey through time to discover the achievements, beliefs, and lives of the people who shaped Mesoamerica.
This is given by one of our librarians who is from Mexico and has studied Mexican history all her life. She explains the meaning of artefacts and Ancient Mexican culture from an Indigenous Mexican perspective.

When: Tuesday May 6th at 10am-11am
Where: Whangaparāoa Library

'Hidden Treasure and Resistance' Adult Presentation
2025-05-06 10:30 - 11:30 | Polish Heritage Trust Museum, 125 Elliot Street, Auckland, Auckland, 2014, New Zealand
Discover Polish archaeologists’ work in Poland and around the world, from the Iron Age Biskupin Fort, Katyn Forest and Warsaw to Egypt and South America. Come and unearth links between World War 2, Resistance and Polish New Zealanders. Adults only, contains some sensitive content.
Free off-street parking, seating, tables, restrooms and wheelchair access available.
Koha – museum entry by donation.
No booking required unless you are a group. (Groups please book ahead – small fee applies).
Groups can book their own time and date to suit. Please contact Polish Museum staff to arrange.

Archaeology is Rubbish!
2025-05-06 15:30 - 2025-05-08 16:30 | Mercury Bay Library, 22 Victoria Street, Whitianga, New Zealand
The Mercury Bay Museum in conjunction with the Mercury Bay Library present an afternoon of archaeology to celebrate New Zealand Archaeology Week.
Can you discover who was here by their rubbish?
Join us for an interactive session at the Mercury Bay Library, Whitianga.
No booking required, free to attend – best suited for 5-15yr olds.
Tuesday 6th May 3.30pm-4.30pm https://www.facebook.com/share/16B4hGEiZq/
Thursday 8th May 3.30pm – 4.30pm https://www.facebook.com/share/16LC1ocXEM/

‘O Mahurangi (Penlink) and beyond: The work of an archaeologist in NZ’
2025-05-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Whangaparāoa Library, 9 Main St, Whangaparāoa, Auckland, New Zealand
Join Dr Caroline Phillips and her team for an insiders perspective of the work of an archaeological consultant in New Zealand.
Archaeology is both a method of investigation and process of discovery aimed at understanding how people lived in the past. Archaeological consultants investigate heritage sites that will be damaged by earthworks such as roading, housing or horticulture. The heritage sites may be of significance to Māori, European or others and date any time before 1900.
Caroline and some of her team will be presenting on the methods used and findings from three archaeological projects: Billing Road in the Bay of Plenty, Reitmann’s back yard in Thames and locally on the O Mahurangi (formerly known as Penlink) project. Members of the O Mahurangi Alliance will join the last session to give an overview of the project.
When: Wednesday, 7th May 2025 at 1pm
Where: Pōhutukawa Room, Whangaparāoa Library

Archaeology and Bioanthropology Lab Tours at the University of Auckland
2025-05-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Univeristy of Auckland, 18 Waterloo Quadrant, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
The University of Auckland will be offering guided tours of the new Archaeology and Biological Anthropology Laboratories.
Small group tours will run every 30 minutes from 4pm and anthropologists will be in the atrium of Building 201 to answer your questions!
Please book in advance via EventBrite: https://uoa-anthro-tours.eventbrite.com
Anthropology Laboratories
University of Auckland – Building 201
10 Symonds Street
Auckland 1010

Conservation Open House
2025-05-07 19:00 - 21:00 | TBC
Join Heritage Preservation and Field Support Solutions (HPFS Solutions) for a tour of their studio facilities where they will showcase some of the recent archaeological materials undergoing study and conservation. Location and details to be sent after registration. Maximum number of attendees is 15. Please note the spaces are wheelchair accessible with the exception of the toilet. Entry is free.
Please register your space using the form below. You can reserve a space for up to 5 people. Please email us at info@artefactpreservation.com for larger groups.
Once you register, you will receive a confirmation over email and the location will be provided as the event date nears. The information collected on the form will only be used for recording visitors to the venue and for contacting you in the event of changes or notifications.
To learn about heritage in the Taranaki region, visit the Heritage Taranaki Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Heritage-Taranaki-Incorporated-928047640593463. For more information about HPFS Solutions, visit us at www.artefactpreservation.com.

Registration is necessary at the following link https://forms.gle/HKFBnvsiLnAfFs5j8.

Trowel Throwing Competition
2025-05-08 12:30 - 14:30 | Albert Park, 33-43 Princes St, Auckland, New Zealand
The trowel is most commonly used by archaeologists for excavation, but how well can you throw one? This event is hosted by the Auckland Archaeological Society. Come and try your luck, and perhaps win a prize!
Find us in Albert Park (near the rotunda).

Ian Smith Memorial Lecture
2025-05-08 17:00 - 19:30 | Tūhura Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
Join us for an inaugural seminar series celebrating the kaupapa and inspiration of the late Ian W.G. Smith (1954-2020). Smith spent much of his notable career researching sealing in the Southern Ocean by Māori, Moriori and Europeans and, in the process, became a leading figure in the archaeology of marine mammals and in the establishment of systematic historical archaeology in New Zealand.
Emeritus Professor Atholl Anderson (CNZM) presents Hardy rascals of doubtful shame: sealing and sealers in southern New Zealand. Anderson will discuss Smith’s research in Māori sealing as an exemplary case of economic prehistory and his archaeology of European sealing as demonstrating more organisation in the activity and a broader intention to engage with Māori than has been often assumed historically. Offering some additional thoughts upon the historical perception of sealers and society in southern New Zealand.
Recognised as of one New Zealand’s most distinguished scholars, Anderson has made significant contributions to Pacific and New Zealand archaeology and Māori history.
This is a hybrid event. If you would like to join online, please register by booking a hybrid ticket.
Doors open and cash bar available from 5pm.
Register (for online or in-person attendance) via https://otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/ian-smith-memorial-lecture
This event is organised by Christchurch Archaeology Project, Tūhura Otago Museum and the University of Otago. It has been made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology, the New Zealand Archaeological Association, the Anthropology programme at the University of Otago and Tūhura Otago Museum.

Friends of the Museum Talks with Brigid Gallagher
2025-05-08 17:15 - 19:00 | The Arts Junction Theatre, 36 Main Rd, Katikati, New Zealand
“Brigid is highly qualified in archaeology and anthropology and has a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science as a Cardiff degree in Conversation and Museums – she has worked with Time Team UK and Heritage Rescue Aotearoa. Come and listen to her talk about the importance of local archaeology; why modern day museums are the foundation stones of communities and the importance of telling our shared histories honestly.”
This event is part of the ‘Friends of the Museum Talk’ hosted by Western Bay Museum
Everybody welcome
Free Event for member – koha donation for non-members.

An Archaeological Quiz Night!
2025-05-08 19:30 | The Bog, 387 George Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
Join us for an exciting evening of exploration and discovery at our Archaeology Week Pub Quiz! Whether you’re a seasoned archaeologist, casual enthusiast, or simply curious about the past, this event is for you! Come with your friends, enjoy a pint, and see who can dig up the most answers.

To register a team contact jasmine.weston@nzarchaeology.org
0221669142

Look at My Thing! An Archaeology Week Event
2025-05-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Dunedin Public Library City, 230 Moray Place, Dunedin, 9058, New Zealand
A series of short talks by Dunedin archaeologists, each presenting their favourite find. Talks will be followed by a relaxed meet and greet session when the audience can have a closer look at the finds and have a chat with the archaeologists.
Location: Dunningham Suite, Dunedin Public Library
Free Event

Arch Soc Pub Quiz
2025-05-09 18:00 - 21:00 | Shadows Bar, 8 Alfred St, Auckland, New Zealand
This year we continue the tradition of an Archsoc pub quiz. Get together a team, and participate for a chance to win the golden trowel. RSVP can be found here
Open to all
Venue – Shadows Bar

Archaeology Week Kids Day
2025-05-10 10:00 - 14:00 | Tūhura Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an archaeologist?
For Archaeology Week 2025, join Heritage New Zealand staff to try your hand at sorting, cleaning, cataloguing, and investigating some Dunedin artefacts that are over 100 years old!
We’ll also try out dressing up as an archaeologist—photos encouraged!
There will be a range of activities on offer, including:

Sorting Station
Cataloguing Artefacts Station
Cataloguing Animal Bone Station
Dress Up as an Archaeologist Station
Shoe Box Archaeology

This is a hands-on workshop, and children may get a bit dirty, so wear old clothes.

Kā taoka o Tiwai – Treasures of Tiwai
2025-05-10 10:00 - 2025-05-11 16:00 | Tūhura Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
Stone Artefact Cataloguing
Please Note the Change of Date for this Event.
Around the time of the 1969-1971 construction of the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter, the McFarlanes, a young family interested in archaeology, explored Tiwai Point and recovered numerous stone artefacts. Treasured by the family for many years, these artefacts are now finding their way south again. To help that a team of the family, curators and archaeologists will be sorting, catalgoguing and repacking the artefacts. This work will be open for the public to come and see the taoka close up and learn what archaeologists look for in the artefacts. You are also welcome to bring in any other artefacts that you’d like to have identified and explained. This workshop is a partnership of the McFarlane family, Te Rūnaka o Awarua, New Zealand Aluminium Smelter and Tūhura Otago Museum.
Free Event
No Booking Required
Location – Hutton Theatre, Tūhura Otago Museum

Ōtautahi Christchurch Festival of Archaeology
2025-05-10 11:00 - 15:00 | Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House, 83 Clyde Road, Christchurch, 8041, New Zealand
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Christchurch Archaeology Project bring you the Ōtautahi Festival Archaeology on 10 May 2025 at Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House.
This will be a FREE outside event for families celebrating our national Archaeology Week and will run from 11am-3pm Have a go at excavation, sorting, and assembling broken china. Take part in archaeology themed art activities. Learn about and examine real artefacts, including a moa bone. There will be professional archaeologists on hand to answer your questions so bring along something you’ve found in your backyard or find out how you can become an archaeologist.
Bonus: complete your archaeologist passport and you’ll have the chance to create your own Festival of Archaeology badge with Canterbury Museum.
Thanks to our stall holders and partners: Canterbury Museum, Pūtaringamotu Riccarton House & Bush, Te Ūaka The Lyttelton Museum, Underground Overground Archaeology, Ngāi Tahu Kā Huru Manu and the Department of Conservation.
N.B. While the outside archaeology events are free, entry to Kate Sheppard House museum (11am-3pm) is $15 for adults, $7.50 gold cards/students and community cards and free to children. The New Zealand Portrait Gallery exhibition, Background Matters, is free to enter.
Carparking in UC Arts carpark is free in the weekends.
Photo credit HNZPT

[POSTPONED] Digging Into the Past: Become an Archaeologist for the day! [POSTPONED]
2025-05-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Auckland Museum, The Auckland Domain, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be an archaeologist? What is archaeology? What do archaeologists do?
Join us at Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira during Archaeology Week! This family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to become an archaeologist for the day and explore the fascinating world of uncovering history.
Archaeology is all about putting together clues from the material left behind to understand the past. Learn about the methods and technology used by archaeologists to solve puzzles and discover how people used to live, what they ate and what tools they used. Meet archaeologists and try hands on activities such as sorting shell and bone, reconstructing pottery vessels, and so much more!
Find us in the Orientation Space of the South Atrium.
Read more about what Auckland Museum archaeologists do here

Archaeology Day Fyffe House
2025-05-11 11:00 - 15:00 | Fyffe House, 62 Avoca St, Kaikoura, New Zealand
“Finders Aren’t Keepers” Discover the archaeology of our area and the underlying principles of what you do if you find something and why.
Hands on activities which include navigating an archaeology trail on site, making cyanotypes and exploring our archaeology collection. In partnership with Kaikoura Museum.
Suitable for all ages
Free Event
No bookings required, find us in the Pink Shed!

Who lived on the site of the new hospital development? A guided walk of Dunedin’s Northern Cemetery
2025-05-11 14:00 - 15:30 | Dunedin Northern Cemetery, 40 Lovelock Ave, Dunedin, New Zealand
In the nineteenth century, the site of Dunedin’s new hospital was one of the most densely occupied residential areas in the city. Come for a guided walk of Dunedin’s Northern Cemetery to hear about the lives of some of the block’s earliest inhabitants, and to learn what our ongoing archaeological investigations have revealed.
Free event
Booking required – limited spots
Contact – Bree Wooller, bree@heritageproperties.co.nz
