Starting May 2025, the Project Team has been engaging with a technical group of survey experts to undertake an underground site survey at the Ward Street urupaa, using modern technology.

The process—supported and guided by mana whenua tikanga—sends down sound waves that respond to air voids left when the ground has been disturbed.

When the analysis is completed, accurate information about the extent of the uruupa, including the specific locations of unmarked graves can be cross-referenced with historical burial documents.

The goal is to provide an accurate a picture of the extent of the urupa, while ensuring the sanctity of the waahi tapu.

Work underway includes:

• GIS Mapping of headstones, paths, kerbs, and key features.
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and geomagnetic scanning in areas where unmarked burials may be present.
• Data analysis and reporting to support future planning and protection of waahi tapu.

Initial data collected in May using ground-penetrating radar gave a good indication of where the graves lie; however, more work will be done in the coming months to ensure an accurate picture of the extent of the urupa.

The Pukekohe Cemetery Memorial Committee will use that information to guide its decisions on any future work to take place in the area.

The Committee appreciates the community’s support and understanding while this important mahi takes place.

An example of ground-penetrating radar technology being utilised at another site