Northland man fined $1600 for removing artefacts from historic Ruapekapeka Pa
14 May, 2021 01:02 AM
3 minutes to read
Artefacts removed from Ruapekapeka pa in January that saw a Northland man fined
$1600.
Northern Advocate
What has been deemed an honest mistake has led to a Northland man receiving a $1600 fine for the removal of historic war artefacts from Ruapekapeka Pa.
Sadly, these offences are happening at important cultural heritage sites across New Zealand and are not always so innocent, the Department of Conservation (DoC) said.
Te Ruapekapeka Trust and DoC were alerted through comments on Facebook that the man was seen using a metal detector and removing artefacts at Ruapekapeka pa in late January.
The man came forward immediately and returned the items, which were then blessed and returned to Ruapekapeka. Nonetheless, he was issued infringement notices and fines for failure to comply with the Reserves Act for cutting sod and removal of a relic from a historic site.
Department of Conservation/Supplied
A Northland man had cut 20 holes in the Ruapekapeka Pā and removed a number of artefacts. DOC said while the man did the right thing in coming forward and returning the items, it had a duty of care to enforce the well-displayed rules to protect treasured historic sites. Despite this instance being an “honest mistake”, DOC said these offences happening across cultural heritage sites in New Zealand are not always so innocent.
WILLOW-JEAN PRIME (LabourâNorthland) to the
Minister of Research, Science and Innovation: What recent announcements has she made about strengthening MÄori knowledge in science and innovation?
Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Research, Science and Innovation): Last week, I announced the 16 projects receiving a total of $3.9 million in funding from the 2021 round of the Vision MÄtauranga Capability Fund, each of which will strengthen MÄori knowledge, capabilities, skills, and networks in the science and innovation system. Supporting our MÄori researchers is essential for the aspirations of individuals, whÄnau, MÄori communities, MÄori organisations, and New Zealand, and this Government is proud to stand in support of these projects.
WILLOW-JEAN PRIME (LabourâNorthland) to the
Minister of Research, Science and Innovation: What recent announcements has she made about strengthening MÄori knowledge in science and innovation?
Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Research, Science and Innovation): Last week, I announced the 16 projects receiving a total of $3.9 million in funding from the 2021 round of the Vision MÄtauranga Capability Fund, each of which will strengthen MÄori knowledge, capabilities, skills, and networks in the science and innovation system. Supporting our MÄori researchers is essential for the aspirations of individuals, whÄnau, MÄori communities, MÄori organisations, and New Zealand, and this Government is proud to stand in support of these projects.