Supporting Technical Assessments

68 Oct 2021 OceanaGold WNP Project, Waihi - Archaeological / Heritage Assessment Table 10. Assessment of the archaeological values of the Winner Hill gold mining complex T13/820 and Gladstone Hill gold mining complex (part of T13/821) based on Heritage NZ criteria (Heritage NZ 2006: 9-10) Value Archaeological Assessment Condition The remains of drives, shafts, terraces and tailings are evident on the ground surface over a wide area of Winner Hill and Gladstone Hill. It is likely that some of the old underground workings may also survive in places. However, much of the earlier mining remains have been affected by modern gold mining and the development of a pine plantation. Rarity The historical mine workings are not rare locally. Contextual value The historical Gladstone and Winner Mines have considerable contextual value as one of a number of mining places in a much larger mining landscape in the Waihi area. It is associated with 19th and early 20th century mining in the region and other places operating in New Zealand at this time. The site is not in a listed historic area and the underground workings are not visible to the public, so do not have visual amenity/aesthetic value. Information potential The historical workings include remnants of shafts and drives, terraces and tailings, and potentially as artefacts and remnant mining structures. This is of archaeological interest for its ability to provide information on mining techniques in the 19th and early 20th century. However, such techniques are very well documented historically, and these remains are not unique locally. Amenity value Some workings are visible on the surface, but they are inaccessible to the public and in private ownership. Cultural associations The site has European cultural associations, linked with European mining communities of the late 19th and early 20th century. Other These mines have historical value through their association with early mining companies in New Zealand. The mining history is strongly linked to the identity of Waihi so is likely to have public associations. The site has social interest with groups such as local historical societies, museums/ education centres and tourist operators. However, the historical mining activities are perhaps better represented by other places/ features that are more accessible and visible in the Waihi area. Table 11. Assessment of the historic heritage values of the Winner Hill gold mining complex T13/820 and Gladstone Hill gold mining complex (part of T13/821) based on the RPS criteria (Section 10A) Value Historic Heritage Assessment Historic Qualities The discovery of gold in Waihi in 1878, early on in the New Zealand goldmining industry, is significant. The Gladstone and Winner claims were initially established in the 1880s. During the boom years of Waihi gold mining between 1902–1910 the Waihi-Gladstone Co. erected the Gladstone Battery (T13/821) on the north side of Gladstone Hill and worked the Gladstone claim, extending around

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