Prehistoric storage pits

Storage pits are underground cists that were used historically to protect the seeds for the following year's crops, and to stop surplus food from being eaten by insects and rodents.

Large storage pits were built underground to conceal their presence, a preferred method used by mobile populations in many parts of the world.

[6] The inhabitants used them to store grain, as is evidenced by the kernels of barley and wheat and the shards of pots that were found in the pits.

Also found were remains of burned woven baskets and, dated to the 2nd or 1st century BC, sling stones and spindle whorls.

The pumice was mixed with heavier soil to promote drainage for growing kumara (sweet potato), the principal vegetable crop of the Maori after about 1500.