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An understanding of the geomorphological processes instigated by seismic-related catastrophes such as tsunamis is important to our understanding of their potential impacts on both past and present human populations. Due to the relative scarcity of human records of such events in prehistory, it is necessary to rely on the geological record to identify and interpret the environmental changes caused by such catastrophes. A multi-proxy analysis of geological and geomorphological data is used to identify a local signal of a region-wide 15th century palaeotsunami that inundated the SW North Island coast of Aotearoa/New Zealand. A comparison with regional geological and archaeological evidence enriches our understanding of the nature and extent of this event and its impact on human settlement that complements similar findings in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informed by Māori oral histories that refer to past catastrophic marine inundations, multi-proxy analysis of stratigraphic records from Swamp Bay, Rangitoto ki te Tonga (D'Urville Island) shows evidence of an anomalous deposit extending some 160 m inland. The deposit includes two distinct lithofacies. The lower sand unit is inferred to have been transported from the marine environment, with corresponding increases in the percentages of benthic marine and brackish–marine diatoms, and geochemical properties indicative of sudden changes in environmental conditions. Radiocarbon dating indicates the deposit formation is less than 402 yrs BP, and pollen indicates it is unlikely to be younger than 1870 CE. Core stratigraphy age models and co-seismic chronologies point to the marine unit most likely being emplaced by tsunami transport associated with rupture of the Wairarapa Fault in 1855 CE. The overlying unit of gravel and silt is inferred to be fluvial deposit and slope-wash from the surrounding hills, loosened by ground-shaking following the earthquake. These findings indicate the 1855 CE earthquake may have been more complex than previously thought and, or, available tsunami modelling does not fully capture the local complexities in bathymetry and topography that can cause hazardous and localized tsunami amplification in embayments like Swamp Bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A database of the information provided by radiocarbon dating in New Zealand archaeology and palaeoenvironmental research is described. This information is available on the Internet and a URL is provided.

A carved stone head discovered at Papamoa, New Zealand, depicts the level of artistry and symbolism typical of Australasian works. Spirals and swirls have been incised around and about its features. Although no radiocarbon dates are available for the earth midden in which the head was found, dates from nearby middens place its age at approximately 400 years.

Wairau Bar, possibly New Zealand's most significant archaeological site, is in a hazardous location. Since it was first settled, the site has several times been severely shaken by earthquakes and inundated by tsunamis. These events have impacted on the site's surroundings, on the archaeological remains in the site and possibly directly on the site's inhabitants. Observed impacts from the CE 1855 tsunami include demolition of buildings, scouring and fissuring of the ground surface, and stranding of fish. Inferred effects of the CE 1855 and earlier tsunamis include reworking and redepositing of archaeological material, and the possibility that some burials found on the site are of people killed by a tsunami. Judging from past earthquakes, and sea level rise from climate change, the site may not survive to the end of this century, an outcome that could be ameliorated by tectonic uplift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two currency tokens issued by the United Services Hotel (1874) and the Gittos (1864) reflects the commercial importance of Auckland in the Bay of Plenty economy of the middle and late 19th Century. Two decades after they were originally minted, these currencies were discarded when they had lost their values as currency.

Gauging the effect of 14C-depleted marine foods on radiocarbon ages requires an accurate assessment of the likely proportion of marine foods in the diet. Several factors must be considered, including region-specific δ13C, δ15N and δ34S data values (regional stable isotope values can differ from global averages), temporal variations in δ13C which offset values in modern dietary standards by up to 1.5‰, and that modelling which considers only δ13C may overestimate the contribution of various dietary sources. Here, we compare previous calculations by linear interpolation of δ13C and a complex computer simulation of marine contribution to the diet of inhumations from the SAC archaeological site Watom Island, Papua New Guinea, with the ISOSOURCE mixing model and a revised database of regional dietary sources and their isotopic values, to estimate marine diet contributions and radiocarbon offsets for burials from the SAC site. Though different estimates of marine contribution to diet do not significantly alter previous calibrations of radiocarbon ages for the inhumations, the new ISOSOURCE calculations challenge the idea of excessive exploitation of marine resources and support evidence for arboriculture and horticulture being a major component in Lapita diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is based on a paper to the NZIS Annual Conference in October 2005, and the book Hostile Shores: Catastrophic Events in Prehistoric New Zealand and their Impact on Maori Coastal Communities, to be published by Auckland University Press on 10 October 2007. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author comments on the evolution of the land surveying professions in New Zealand. Topics covered include the 50th anniversary of the Otago University Survey School, technological innovations experienced by land surveyors and an overview of the papers featured in the current issue of "New Zealand Surveyor" with a discussion of improvements in topographic mapping, as well as the role of surveyors of the colonial era in the development of the New Zealand colony.

The article pays tribute to John Mackie, Emeritus Professor of Surveying at the University of Otago. Mackie's interest in surveying and astronomy originated from his relationship with Professor James Park at the University of Otago. He submitted to the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors (NZIS) council a report on the subject of university education for surveyors. He was a pioneer for his work in identifying the deformation of the earth's crust near fault lines.

The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including one by Mick Strack on the function of surveyors in describing and dividing the land in New Zealand and one by Alan Milne on global warming.

The author reflects on the importance of surveyors in solving ecological problems in New Zealand. He accounts the issues being faced by the country in global warming, declining resources and fuel. He emphasizes the leadership role being played by surveyors in the implementation of change, the framework they provide for developing land and their influence on how people live.