The search for a new museum site in Tauranga has unearthed evidence of a historical Māori pā and war trenches.
A military sketch plan from 1864 shows land use at Te Papa including the remains of Otamataha Pa (highlighted red). Photo: Tauranga City Council
An archaeological survey for a potential museum site, undertaken by the Tauranga City Council, revealed evidence of an underground trench 3.3m wide and 2.2m deep.
Tauranga City Council deputy mayor Kelvin Clout said this was believed to be the southern end of Otamataha Pā - which could be almost 400 years old.
Mr Clout said the site examined on Cliff Rd in Tauranga was largely green space and included an old lawn bowl green, rose garden and part of a car park.
Ground penetrating radar reading equipment, which assesses underground council assets like drains and pipes, was used to discover the trench.
Mr Clout said the current site was still favoured for the museum as the Tauranga Harbour was a beautiful backdrop.
The next stage is to carry out a transect dig of the site.
"There's about three lines that we're wanting to utilise and investigate - that will be done properly with an archaeological expert and in relation with consultation with tangata whenua."
He said he does not believe any kōiwi - or human remains - would be found at the site.
"My understanding from talking to our kaumatua that in theory there will not be bodies there because they would've been moved and taken to a urupa."
Ngai Tamarawaho kaumatua Peri Kohu said the hapū had always known about the existence of the pā.
"The pā site is my pā site - my ancestors lived there not so much as a few generation ago."
The new museum would offer the perfect opportunity to showcase the trench and pā sites, Mr Kohu said.
"There is a commercial gain in the tourism here so from that angle we can benefit in many ways.
"It's about capitalising on the beauty that surrounds us here and part of that is tangata whenua stories of Tauranga."