Recently I had the pleasure of spending an hour or so chatting with Dave Veart about his life in Archaeology, and archaeological research through the decades in Aotearoa. I first met Dave while researching the geology and history of the Ihumātao area in South Auckland, and through our mutual support for the Protect Ihumātao Campaign.
It was through my exploration of the geology of this area and working alongside Dave Veart that my interest in archaeology and pre-European history of Aotearoa was sparked and continues to grow. In this kōrero Dave recollects how his passion for archaeology ignited when he was ten years old. Since that time he has worked for the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (now Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga). He has authored several books: Digging up The Past. Archaeology for the Young and Curious; First Catch Your Weka. A Story of New Zealand Cooking; and Hello Girls and Boys! A New Zealand Toy Story.
Throughout his career he has been a tireless advocate for our heritage, archaeology, and cultural landscapes. His Masters thesis was on gardening systems at Stonefields of South Auckland, and since then he has been closely associated with the campaign to protect our last remaining stonefields and the volcanic landscapes they sit in at Ihumātao. He was also closely involved with the establishment of the Māngere Mountain Education Centre, is a member of the Auckland Council Heritage Advisory Panel, and is Chairperson of the Devonport Peninsula Community Trust.
 |
| Dave Veart in front of basalt wall at Ōtuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve. In the background can be seen the small volcanic spatter cone of Pukeiti, with some visible damage from early farm quarrying. Source: Gravis (2016). |
Follow the link below for a recording of my kōrero with Dave, I hope you find it as fascinating as I did!
