I was fortunate enough to attend the 2016 conference of the New Zealand Archaeological Association.
It was held at the Ukaipo Rangitane Conference Centre near Blenheim from the 22nd to the 25th of June. Our hosts during the conference were the Rangitane o Wairau.
A highlight of the conference was the special field trip to visit the Wairau Bar, a site of national importance. This is the site of the first human settlers to Aeotearoa and such is tapu and deeply sacred to local Maori.
We were extended the privilege of visiting this site and hearing korero by the tangata whenua and recent scientific research.
We were later extended the traditional hospitality which Maori are so well known for. Driftwood Eco Tours congratulates the Rangitane on hosting a very successful conference.