Waiapu Precinct Archaeological discovery update

Since works began in 2025, a total of six midden sites have now been identified across the work area.

The discoveries are protected under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014. It is a criminal offence to modify or destroy an archaeological site without an issued authority, and penalties can include fines of up to $300,000. No changes can be made to these sites unless Heritage New Zealand grants formal approval.

The first midden discovery was made in October 2025, and an authority to proceed for that single site was issued by Heritage New Zealand in March 2026. Because obtaining approval for each site individually is going to slow down the overall works programme, we are now seeking a General Authority from Heritage New Zealand. This broader approval would cover all remaining earthworks across the project area, avoiding the need for separate applications for each discovery. Under this approach, all excavations will be monitored by the project archaeologist in line with the Accidental Discovery Protocol. Any further finds will be documented, logged in the appropriate heritage databases, and removed from the works site.

While the application for an overall authority is being progressed, work cannot continue in the specific areas where midden has been discovered. To help reduce disruption to nearby businesses, new parking areas will be opened during this period near the Woolworths on the lower level.

Please note that the time required to obtain the approvals for the areas already affected are going to result in the overall Waiapu Precinct project being delayed by approximately 2–3 months.