PLoS Genetics - The Genetic Structure of Pacific Islanders
The ancestral relationships of people living in the widely scattered islands of the Pacific Ocean, long a puzzle to anthropologists, may have been solved by a new genetic study, researchers reported Thursday.
In an analysis of the DNA of 1,000 individuals from 41 Pacific populations, an international team of scientists found strong evidence showing that Polynesians and Micronesians in the central and eastern islands had almost no genetic relationship to Melanesians, in the western islands like Papua New Guinea and the Bismarck and Solomons archipelagos.
The researchers also concluded that the genetic data showed that the Polynesians and Micronesians were most closely related to Taiwan Aborigines and East Asians. They said this supported the view that these migrating seafarers originated in Taiwan and coastal China at least 3,500 years ago.

 

Invitation to tender - A thematic archaeological study of sites of the NZ Wars (Department of Conservation)
Department of Conservation seeks proposals from suitably qualified archaeologists for a thematic review of sites of the NZ Wars (1843 to early 1880's).

The project is largely a deskbased review of archaeological information from the NZ Archaeological Association central file.

The objectives are twofold:

* To synthesise and report archaeological and historical information about NZ Wars sites in a succinct DOC archaeological publication (up to 150-170 pages).

* To review relevant archaeological literature on battlefields and report on key issues and appropriate management tools.

The review will present information organised by area and phase of the war and relevant sites need to be reviewed in this context, to identify places with important stories to tell and also to make recommendations on the protection of sites with significant archaeological remains.

The review will be comprehensive in terms of covering campaigns and sites and include an inventory of known sites and a brief review of prior research related to them.

Key information will be presented about sites and landscapes including location, landownership, a summary of archaeological description and significance, a summary of the historical background and significance, observations regarding threats and recommendations regarding protection.

This electronic tender closes Monday, 11th of February 2008 at 12:00 pm. 
To obtain further information and tender documents lookup the government electronic tender website www.gets.govt.nz - the documentation can be found under iccnz code 20543. 

 

Archaeologist HPT Northland
Based in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands
The Northland Area Archaeologist will provide expert and professional archaeological advice to Trust staff, heritage clients and stakeholders.
The Trust is seeking applications from people with skills and experience in statutory archaeological processes and resource management, together with the ability and confidence to work effectively with other archaeologists, local authorities, developers and whanau/hapu/iwi.
Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 15 February 2008.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008