Police confirm centuries-old human remains discovered at Ōwhiro Bay, Wellington
Radiocarbon dating has confirmed that a garden in Wellington's south coast is home to ancient burial sites containing potentially hundreds of years old skeletal fragments dated between roughly A.D. and C.E.. Police have determined these remains are pre-European, originating from the 16th or early 17th century based on scientific analysis conducted by forensic experts at Ōwhiro Bay property in Wellington New Zealand today March twenty third two thousand three hundred thirty nine hours zero minutes nineteen seconds UTC plus four.
Key Points
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1Human remain found by a Wellington resident while gardening were determined to be centuries old through police-led investigations.
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2Radiocarbon testing indicates the remains are likely pre-European, originating from between 1600 and late-1700s.
Developments
Perspectives
Police state that human remain found at a property near Wellington's south coast are possibly pre-European from the period between roughly two hundred and four centuries ago.
— [Mar 23, 02:15] Human remains 300-400 years old found in backyard (Odt.co.nz)Radiocarbon dating has been used to determine that human remain discovered by a homeowner while gardening are hundreds of centuries older.
— [Mar 23, 02:15] Human remains 300-400 years old found in backyard (Odt.co.nz)A forensic anthropologist is involved with the investigation into human remain discovered by a homeowner who was not under suspicion at time of discovery.
— [Mar 23, 01:58] Human remains Found In Wellington Centuries Old Remains found in garden (Scoop.co.nz)Police launched an official inquiry following the accidental finding and subsequent dating analysis by a homeowner on Happy Valley Road near Owhiro Bay.
— [Mar 23, 01:58] Human remains Found In Wellington Centuries Old Remains found in garden (Scoop.co.nz)Police confirmed that human remains discovered in June last year on Wellington's south coast were likely pre-European from between 1600 and 1789 based on radiocarbon dating. The homeowner is under no suspicion, but a suitable burial site will be arranged with local iwi after the Coroner releases permission for release of information regarding its location or status (note: "release" in original text likely refers to authorization).
Police have confirmed that human remains discovered hundreds of yards ago by a homeowner on Happy Valley Rd are radiocarbon-dated to the 1600s–1700s period, possibly pre-European. The partial skeleton was found at South Coast property previously owned as emergency housing and will be buried after consultation with local iwi following coroner approval.
Police confirmed that human remains discovered in June last year at an Owhiro Bay garden are likely centuries old (160s–70s) based on radiocarbon dating, with the homeowner under no suspicion of involvement. The information has been provided to a Coroner for consideration regarding burial arrangements after consultation will occur between officials and local iwi once legal release is granted by that authority.
On June 22, 2025, radiocarbon dating confirmed that human remains discovered in Ōwhiro Bay belong from the 1600s-1700s and possibly pre-European. The information has been provided to a Coroner for consideration regarding burial arrangements after consultation with local iwi will be completed once release is granted by them