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Archaeology
The study of how people lived in the past by digging up and examining objects like tools, pottery, and old ruins. Archaeologists use these finds to learn about ancient cultures and how people lived.
Artefacts
Human-made objects from the past, like tools, weapons, or pottery that give clues about how people lived, worked, and played.
Cultural heritage
The traditions, stories, practices, and beliefs that are passed down from generation to generation, helping to shape a group’s identity.
Excavation
A site where archaeologists dig to uncover historical objects or remains.
Heritage
Things from the past that are passed down and valued, like stories, traditions, places, or objects.
Intangible heritage
Non-physical parts of heritage, such as traditions, languages, music, dance, and skills, that are shared and practiced by a community.
Middens
Ancient rubbish dumps containing shells, bones, and other clues about daily life in the past.
Natural heritage
The natural features and resources of a place, such as forests, rivers, mountains, and native plants and animals, which have cultural, spiritual, or historical importance.
Ōtūmoetai Pā
A historical Māori settlement known for its strong defences and cultural significance in Tauranga.
Pā
A fortified Māori village or stronghold, often built on a hill or ridge for defense. Pā were used for living, farming, and protecting people during times of war.
Place names
Names of locations that tell stories about the history, culture, or important events of an area, often linking people to the land.
Taiao
The natural world, including native forests, waterways, and wildlife, which are valued for their cultural, spiritual, and historical significance.
Tangata Whenua
A Māori term meaning "people of the land," referring to the local people who have a deep connection to their ancestral land and heritage.
Tangible heritage
Physical objects or places from the past, like historic buildings, monuments, museums, and taonga, that you can see and touch.
Taonga
Treasured items, often with cultural or spiritual significance, such as carvings, heirlooms, or traditional clothing.
Tikanga
Customary practices, traditions, and rituals that guide Māori social behavior and reinforce cultural identity.
Whakapapa
Genealogy or family history, which links people to their ancestors, land, and culture. It is an important part of Māori identity.
