Human remains discovered by a homeowner gardening in Wellington's Ōwhiro Bay last year have been confirmed by police to be centuries old. The discovery was made in June 2025.
A police spokesperson stated the remains were found at a residential property on the south coast. The scene was examined by a forensic team and the remains were removed for analysis.
Authorities have indicated the investigation is now being treated as a historical discovery rather than a contemporary crime scene. The findings have been referred to Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga for further assessment.
No further details about the origin or specific age of the remains have been released by officials at this time.
