Tree-ring Dating of Colonial-era Buildings in New Zealand

Abstract

This paper describes recent research in dendroarchaeology in New Zealand. In the Northern Hemisphere, dendrochronology is routinely applied to assist with investigating the age and phasing of wooden structures, and is often carried out in conjunction with building recording and documentary research. In New Zealand, tree-ring analysis of building timbers has been undertaken since 2000, in some cases to assist with archaeological investigations of standing structures. The results of three such sites, Sinton Road (SINT), Arney Road (ARNY) and Westney Farmstead Barn (WSNY) are presented here, and the potential and limitations of dendroarchaeology are discussed. Key points are: the identification of fell dates for timber from two structures (SINT, ARNY) and the importance of secure context; the development of a ‘use-date range’ to assist interpretation of felling dates regarding construction and phasing; and recognition of other information from tree-ring analysis that could shed light on building construction as well as timber production and supply processes.