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Human remains found in a garden on Wellington’s south coast are centuries old, according to police.
RNZ understands an Ōwhiro Bay homeowner was gardening when they made the discovery in June last year.
At the time, police said the resident was under no suspicion and a forensic anthropologist and pathologist determined the remains were human.
On Monday, police said radiocarbon dating showed the remains were possibly Māori (or tangata whenua) from the 1600s-1700s.
“This information will now be supplied to the Coroner for consideration,” Detective Constable Sarah Steed said.
“Consultation will take place with local iwi to arrange a suitable burial site, once the remains are release by the Coroner.”
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