Radar survey identifies four unmarked graves at Waitati Cemetery

An archaeologist using ground-penetrating radar has identified four unmarked graves at Waitati Cemetery near Dunedin, New Zealand, RNZ reported on 13 October. The finding is part of a project to establish and document burial places of former psychiatric hospital patients; the radar survey alone cannot identify who is buried there.

What the Waitati radar survey can establish

Archaeologist Emma St Pierre told RNZ the equipment detects disturbed soil and contrasts in materials, such as a grave cut or coffin, rather than ordinarily detecting bones. Researchers are comparing the four findings with cemetery records and historical research.

Dunedin City Council project lead John Brenkley told RNZ the wider work aims to document people buried in Dunedin cemeteries, including those in unmarked graves, and develop a memorial with families. About 50 people had contacted the council with information, RNZ reported.

In a 7 October project update, Inside Government NZ reported that archival research was largely complete, analysis was progressing and radar surveys of potential sites were planned for October. The verified list of deaths and burial locations, and the memorial plans, remain in progress.