Source: New Zealand Police
Human remains found in a garden on Wellington’s south coast last year have been determined to be centuries old.
A homeowner discovered the remains in his garden in Ōwhiro Bay on June 22, 2025.
Detective Constable Sarah Steed says radiocarbon dating has been conducted on the remains, which show them to be from the 1600s-1700s, and possibly pre-European.
“This information will now be supplied to the Coroner for consideration,” Detective Constable Steed says.
“Consultation will take place with local iwi to arrange a suitable burial site, once the remains are release by the Coroner.”
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/remains-found-in-wellington-centuries-old/