Chatham Islands ancient waka: Judge rules Crown must protect buried remains
A Māori Land Court judge has ruled that the New Zealand government is responsible for protecting the entirety of an ancient Polynesian waka buried in the Chatham Islands. The ruling rejects the Crown's attempt to limit its obligations to only the small portion of the canoe already excavated.
Why it matters
The decision sets a legal precedent for the preservation of significant archaeological sites and clarifies state responsibilities regarding cultural heritage protection.
An archaeological report said less than 10% of the waka has been excavated and put in storage. Photo: Manatū Taonga
A judge has ruled the Government cannot sidestep its statutory responsibilities for a centuries-old voyaging canoe buried in Rēkohu sand dunes, rejecting the Crown’s argument that its obligations extend only to the excavated parts of the find.
In a recent decision by Māori Land Court Judge Michael Doogan, an archaeologist warned only 10% of the waka may have been recovered and that further remains could be destroyed if a major storm strikes the site.
The judge found the Crown’s statutory obligations extend to the entire find, despite concerns about the cost of a full excavation.
The waka was discovered in August 2024 on a private farm on the northern coast of Rēkohu Chatham Islands and is believed to be a pre-European Polynesian voyaging canoe.
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