Human remains discovered in a Wellington garden have been identified as centuries old, with police now working with iwi on next steps.
The remains were found by a homeowner in Ōwhiro Bay on June 22, 2025, prompting an investigation.
Detective Constable Sarah Steed said radiocarbon dating shows the remains date back to the 1600s or 1700s and may be from the pre-European period.
“This information will now be supplied to the Coroner for consideration,” Steed said.
She said consultation with local iwi will take place to determine a suitable burial site once the remains are released by the Coroner.
Police have not indicated any suspicious circumstances surrounding the discovery.