56 Oct 2021 OceanaGold WNP Project, Waihi - Archaeological / Heritage Assessment Recorded Historic Heritage Numerous archaeological surveys have been carried out that cover the area of the proposed NRS. A field survey was undertaken of TSF1A and a wider area by Jill Pierce in 1984 (Pierce 1984), New Zealand Historic Places Trust in 1986 (McFadgen 1987, referenced in Barr 1997) and Ray Hooker in 1997 (Hooker 1997). As discussed previously for TSF3, Pierce identified a number of terraces that were recorded as archaeological, but subsequently determined as not archaeological in origin but areas of natural slumping and natural processes. No archaeological sites are recorded within the NRS project area on the NZAA site record file. Only one historic site is recorded in the vicinity of the proposed NRS – T13/971 Queen of Waihi Shaft. Table 4. Archaeological and other historic heritage sites recorded within the vicinity of the proposed NRS. NZAA Site No. District Plan ref HNZ List ref Site Type Location NZTM Easting NZTM Northing T13/971 Queen of Waihi Shaft Golden Valley Road, Ohinemuri River 1854218 5858435 T13/971 Queen of Waihi Shaft A map of the historical shaft locations, tramways and water races within Waihi (http://www.ohinemuri.org.nz/gis) shows the Queen of Waihi mining shaft located adjacent to the Ohinemuri River and the northern extent of the proposed NRS (Figure 53). Research suggests that the Queen of Waihi Shaft dates from around 1895-96 and was sunk into the rhyolite to a depth of 150 feet (50m). Waihi companies that went out of existence between 1909 and 1920 included the Queen of Waihi mining company. Today this shaft is visible as a depression on the ground filled with soil and rubbish that was previously fenced to prevent access but this has since fallen down (Figure 54). Due to its date of construction it is considered to be an archaeological site as defined in the HNZPTA 2014 and has been recorded as T13/971. The proposed footprint of the NRS and associated infrastructure will avoid impacting on the Queen of Waihi Shaft, however, for safety reasons the shaft will need to be backfilled with rock stripped from the adjacent area and capped (Figure 55). The map in Figure 53 also shows the Queen Bridge located to the northwest of the NRS project area where Golden Valley Road crosses the Ohinemuri River. This structure is located to the north west of the proposed NRS project area and will not be affected. The possibility of additional subsurface remains in relation to past mining activities cannot be ruled out and would also be destroyed by the proposal. Any impacts on pre-1900 remains would require mitigation under a under a general Heritage NZ archaeological Authority that could be applied for to extend over the area of the NRS as a precaution.
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