Abstract
Faunal analysis has long been a strength in the archaeology of prehistoric New Zealand, though its use in the interpretations of historic sites has been relatively recent. This thesis presents the results and interpretations of faunal analyses conducted on three early-mid, late prehistoric, and historic faunal assemblages from Te Hoe, the site of a nineteenth century shore whaling station on the North Island East Coast. Historic sources from the mid-nineteenth century are used to describe the shore whaling industry and lifestyle of whaling communities. Taxa utilised, habitats exploited, indigenous/exotic species focus and butchery unit analysis are used to provide a picture of resource use and dietary consumption at Te Hoe. These results are then compared between the three assemblages to examine temporal changes in the diet of the occupants at Te Hoe during these three periods. The historic faunal assemblage from Te Hoe is then compared with faunal assemblages from four other nineteenth century shore whaling station sites in New Zealand and Australia. This intersite comparison places the results from Te Hoe in temporal and spatial contexts. Finally, with the aid of historic resources, the emergence of the unique cultural identity of New Zealanders of European ancestry - Pakeha – is evidenced in the period of nineteenth century shore whalers, such as those that live at Te Hoe.