An investigation of archaeology in New Zealand as a means of establishing views about the past

Abstract

For the archaeologist archaeology is a scientific activity which is morally 'neutral, to be enjoyed for its own sake in the enlightenment of mankind. The past will be revived by the archaeologist. For the Maori the past is alive, hence it is morally partial. To dig the past up is to expose it and even to kill it by exposure.

This thesis is a scientific study of the general problem of what happens when two views, those of the Maori and Pakeha come in to contact with one another under specific circumstances. For the Pakeha the specific circumstances to be investigated will be on his archaeological activity in Whakatane and for the Maori focus will be on his views concerning the traditions and physical features of the same area. I propose to investigate Maori and Pakeha interest in the past by detailing the archaeology of Whakatane.

Whakatane was selected as the district in which to carry out this case study because the records for such a study are there. Whakatane had an active archaeological group who were responsible for recording many archaeological sites. In addition archaeological excavations were carried out there (Figures 1, 6, 7 and 9). While the archaeological work may not have conformed to what would be regarded as good examples of professional archaeology, nevertheless, what was done there represented archaeology. Whakatane also has many historic sites which are rich in Maori tradition and are well known to many of the Maoris living there. In addition Whakatane has a large Maori speaking population who pride themselves in maintaining their traditional customary and cultural obligations. […] [Extract from Chapter 2: Thesis Research]