Archaeology survey suggested

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 4, 23 June 1987, Page 1

Archaeology survey suggested

The Wanganui branch of the Native Forests Action Council has ealled for an archaeological survey to be carried out in the Whanganui National Park. The branch stated in its submission on the Whanganui National Park management plan that the Wanganui region was one of the least well-known archaeologically in the country, though no national park was as historically important or as intensively settled. The branch recommended that a survey of the park be undertaken to record all sites and objects of historical arid archaeological importance. This would include traditional and sacred Maori sites, archaeological sites, European settlement sites and objects and exotic trees marking sites of early European settlement, river landings, eel weirs, store sources and traditional Maori resource areas . They recommended that a compendium of all historic data relevant to the area within the park be kept, that the management of the park liaise closely with the Maori community regarding all aspects of the park's management, that other interested groups be in liaison regarding any physical developments within the park, and that a network of interpretive displays showing all aspects of the history and archaeology of the area be set up. The branch also suggested the park employ a full-time archaeologist for a period of five years to implement the recommendations.