BreamTailFarm

The Farm at Bream Tail, south of Whangarei comprises 460 hectares. The property extends from north of Mangawhai Heads to Bream Tail. The terrain is hilly with the majority of the coastal boundary being steep cliffs. The high point on the farm is 167mwhere a trig station is located. The property has been in pasture, stocking sheep and cattle. There are large areas of regenerating native bush. A Department of Conservation, NZwalkway traverses the property, hugging the coast. The return walk is possible along the foreshore, mostly rocky, at low tide. The property is home to a visually compelling pa, R08/4 / N28/9, which is visible from the road and beyond. Nearby is a large quarry, atop a hill, which has been in operation for decades. The original homestead, with renovations and additions is still the main farmhouse, although moved from its original position. Archaeological research of the farm includes both Category:Historic and Category:Prehistoric components. Excavations have been relatively small including one areal excavation of R08/132 along with some mitigation work on other sites on the farm. The dates suggest Maori occupation from the 15-17th Centuries with midden typical of the area.

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Location and Date

Between Bream Tail and Mangawhai Heads, Nr Whangarei, New Zealand Main Excavation in 2005

<googlemap lat="-36.080459" lon="174.595413" width="300" height="400" selector="no" controls="none"> -36.080459, 174.595413, Bream Tail Farm, New Zealand</googlemap>

Type

Pre-colonial Maori shell middens. 4 Radiocarbon dates from 15th Century to early-17th Century AD/CE

Excavators

• Dianne Harlow
• Barry Baquie
• Simon Bickler

Other contributing specialists:

• Dr Rod Wallace– Charcoal analysis

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Artefacts

Predominantly shell midden.

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Publications

Excavation Report:

Bickler, S. H., D. Harlow, and B. Baquié 2007. Final Excavation Report, NZHPT Authority No 2006-86, with regard to R08/132. Unpublished Architage Report for H. Hilliam and G Clark.

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