Story: When was New Zealand first settled?

Archaeologist Bruce McFadgen

Bruce McFadgen explains why radiocarbon dating of bones of recently dead rats from Lake Taupō has produced dates up to 2,000 years ago – obviously not the true age of the rats.

Sound file from Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Geoff Irwin and Carl Walrond, 'When was New Zealand first settled? - Rat bones', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/speech/3621/archaeologist-bruce-mcfadgen (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Geoff Irwin and Carl Walrond, published 8 Feb 2005, updated 1 May 2016