title: Life beyond the lakes: An analysis and implications of a Pleistocene combustion feature on the Pike River in South Australia

authors: Westell, Craig

abstract: The Pike River is an anabranch and palaeochannel of the Murray River located in South Australia's Riverland region, in the southwestern part of the Murray-Darling Basin. The floodplain contains abundant and varied archaeological evidence of Aboriginal life, including extensive deposits of shell midden exposed along the high cliff-line bounding the southeastern margin of the floodplain. The oldest of these deposits has been securely dated, so far, to ∼29 ka cal BP. This article presents the results of chronological, micromorphological and sedimentary analyses of a combustion feature also located on this cliff-line. Based on our analysis and interpretation of the feature's stratigraphic context, in combination with 14C and OSL dating, we argue that the feature is ∼43 ka old. Whilst the combustion feature contains no associated cultural material (e.g. stone artefacts or faunal remains) we argue that a cultural origin is, nonetheless, supported given the feature's geometry, sedimentary structures, geochemistry and magnetic response. As such, we argue that the feature provides a rare glimpse into the earliest peopling of the Murray River corridor. Further, the feature is amongst some of the earliest pieces of evidence for human pyrotechnology in the Australasian region and only one of a few examples from an open-air site that is microstratigraphically (micromorphologically) contextualised. The preservation of combustion features of this antiquity in open-context sites is extremely rare, both in this region and globally.

text: Life beyond the lakes: An analysis and implications of a Pleistocene combustion feature on the Pike River in South Australia The Pike River is an anabranch and palaeochannel of the Murray River located in South Australia's Riverland region, in the southwestern part of the Murray-Darling Basin. The floodplain contains abundant and varied archaeological evidence of Aboriginal life, including extensive deposits of shell midden exposed along the high cliff-line bounding the southeastern margin of the floodplain. The oldest of these deposits has been securely dated, so far, to ∼29 ka cal BP. This article presents the results of chronological, micromorphological and sedimentary analyses of a combustion feature also located on this cliff-line. Based on our analysis and interpretation of the feature's stratigraphic context, in combination with 14C and OSL dating, we argue that the feature is ∼43 ka old. Whilst the combustion feature contains no associated cultural material (e.g. stone artefacts or faunal remains) we argue that a cultural origin is, nonetheless, supported given the feature's geometry, sedimentary structures, geochemistry and magnetic response. As such, we argue that the feature provides a rare glimpse into the earliest peopling of the Murray River corridor. Further, the feature is amongst some of the earliest pieces of evidence for human pyrotechnology in the Australasian region and only one of a few examples from an open-air site that is microstratigraphically (micromorphologically) contextualised. The preservation of combustion features of this antiquity in open-context sites is extremely rare, both in this region and globally.

year: 2025

title: Transnational Tongans:The Profile and Re-integration of Return Migrants

authors: Liava'a, Viliami Tupou Futuna

subjects: voluntary return migration

abstract: This study contributes to the 'unwritten chapter' in migration studies, namely transnational return migration, with specific reference to Tongan migrants who have voluntarily returned to live in Tonga.  Return migration of transnational Tongans is not 'permanent' as their mobility pre and post-return is characterised by circulation or repeated return rather than staying at 'home'.  

In examining the circulation of transnational Tongans, two new forms of return migration are identified -- 'return for career advancement' and 'ancestral return'.  These additions to a new typology of return migration represent better the contemporary mobility system of transnational Tongans and suggest a means for addressing 'brain drain' through strengthening the 'Tongan-ness' of the diaspora while simultaneously stimulating economic development in the Kingdom.  Despite these positive dimensions of return, re-integration is a 'bumpy' process, and there needs to be a holistic migration strategy if greater numbers in the Tongan diaspora are to return and make their potential contribution to sustainable development in the Island Kingdom.

text: Transnational Tongans:The Profile and Re-integration of Return Migrants This study contributes to the 'unwritten chapter' in migration studies, namely transnational return migration, with specific reference to Tongan migrants who have voluntarily returned to live in Tonga.  Return migration of transnational Tongans is not 'permanent' as their mobility pre and post-return is characterised by circulation or repeated return rather than staying at 'home'.  

In examining the circulation of transnational Tongans, two new forms of return migration are identified -- 'return for career advancement' and 'ancestral return'.  These additions to a new typology of return migration represent better the contemporary mobility system of transnational Tongans and suggest a means for addressing 'brain drain' through strengthening the 'Tongan-ness' of the diaspora while simultaneously stimulating economic development in the Kingdom.  Despite these positive dimensions of return, re-integration is a 'bumpy' process, and there needs to be a holistic migration strategy if greater numbers in the Tongan diaspora are to return and make their potential contribution to sustainable development in the Island Kingdom.

year: 2007

title: Tapuwaekiwi tapuaeharuru taiharuru te Whakatōhea toheraoa: Connecting to my iwi and reclamation of identity through endurance running grounded in iwi narratives and tikanga/culture.

authors: Helyar-Magill, Nicholas

abstract: This thesis explores the intersection of endurance, whakapapa, and cultural reconnection through the lens of ultra-marathon running and Te Whakatōhea tīpuna pūrākau. By weaving together personal narratives, historical contexts, and contemporary athletic practices, this research examines the role of endurance sports as a pathway for cultural revitalisation and identity reclamation among Māori athletes.
Endurance is a fundamental characteristic of Te Whakatōhea, embodied not only in the physical feats of long-distance running but also in the iwi's historical resilience through colonisation, raupatu, and cultural disconnection. This research positions ultra-marathon running as both a metaphor and a mechanism for reclaiming whakapapa, fostering well-being, and strengthening the connection between Māori athletes and te ao Māori. Drawing upon Kaupapa Māori methodology, qualitative research methods, and tikanga Māori principles, this research seeks to decolonise endurance sports by embedding iwi narratives, tikanga, and mana whenua engagement into the sport of ultra-running.
A central aim of this research is to develop a culturally grounded framework that integrates Te Whakatōhea pūrākau and tikanga into ultra-marathon events. This framework envisions a race that traverses ancestral pathways, acknowledges the whenua and mana whenua, and fosters a culturally safe environment for Māori athletes. The research questions driving this thesis examine the historical endurance of Te Whakatōhea, the impact of colonisation on Māori participation in endurance sports, and the potential for tikanga to be embedded in ultra-marathon events.
The findings of this research reveal that endurance is deeply woven into the whakapapa of Te Whakatōhea and that ultra-marathon running serves as a powerful means of reconnecting with iwi identity, whenua, and te ao Māori. Through interviews with Māori endurance athletes and an exploration of iwi narratives, this research highlights the transformative potential of culturally embedded endurance sports. Furthermore, the research identifies barriers to Māori participation in ultra-marathons, including historical disenfranchisement from traditional athletic spaces and the predominance of Pākehā worldviews in endurance sports. Addressing these barriers, this thesis proposes a tikanga-based model that seeks to attract greater Māori
participation by integrating kaupapa Māori principles into the design, organisation, and execution of ultra-marathon events.
This research is also a personal journey of endurance and reconnection, reflecting on my own whakapapa as a descendant of Te Whakatōhea and an ultra-marathon runner. Raised outside of the iwi rohe, my path of reclaiming identity through sport mirrors the broader themes of cultural endurance and revitalisation explored in this thesis. By engaging with iwi histories, participating in kaupapa Māori spaces, and embedding tikanga into my athletic practice, I have sought to bridge the gap between past and present, creating a future where Māori endurance athletes can thrive within a culturally affirming space.
Ultimately, this thesis contributes to the growing discourse on Indigenous endurance sports, cultural resilience, and decolonial approaches to athletic participation. It affirms that ultra-marathon running, when grounded in whakapapa and tikanga, has the potential to serve as a tool for cultural reconnection, healing, and identity reclamation for Māori athletes and Te Whakatōhea whānau.

text: Tapuwaekiwi tapuaeharuru taiharuru te Whakatōhea toheraoa: Connecting to my iwi and reclamation of identity through endurance running grounded in iwi narratives and tikanga/culture. This thesis explores the intersection of endurance, whakapapa, and cultural reconnection through the lens of ultra-marathon running and Te Whakatōhea tīpuna pūrākau. By weaving together personal narratives, historical contexts, and contemporary athletic practices, this research examines the role of endurance sports as a pathway for cultural revitalisation and identity reclamation among Māori athletes.
Endurance is a fundamental characteristic of Te Whakatōhea, embodied not only in the physical feats of long-distance running but also in the iwi's historical resilience through colonisation, raupatu, and cultural disconnection. This research positions ultra-marathon running as both a metaphor and a mechanism for reclaiming whakapapa, fostering well-being, and strengthening the connection between Māori athletes and te ao Māori. Drawing upon Kaupapa Māori methodology, qualitative research methods, and tikanga Māori principles, this research seeks to decolonise endurance sports by embedding iwi narratives, tikanga, and mana whenua engagement into the sport of ultra-running.
A central aim of this research is to develop a culturally grounded framework that integrates Te Whakatōhea pūrākau and tikanga into ultra-marathon events. This framework envisions a race that traverses ancestral pathways, acknowledges the whenua and mana whenua, and fosters a culturally safe environment for Māori athletes. The research questions driving this thesis examine the historical endurance of Te Whakatōhea, the impact of colonisation on Māori participation in endurance sports, and the potential for tikanga to be embedded in ultra-marathon events.
The findings of this research reveal that endurance is deeply woven into the whakapapa of Te Whakatōhea and that ultra-marathon running serves as a powerful means of reconnecting with iwi identity, whenua, and te ao Māori. Through interviews with Māori endurance athletes and an exploration of iwi narratives, this research highlights the transformative potential of culturally embedded endurance sports. Furthermore, the research identifies barriers to Māori participation in ultra-marathons, including historical disenfranchisement from traditional athletic spaces and the predominance of Pākehā worldviews in endurance sports. Addressing these barriers, this thesis proposes a tikanga-based model that seeks to attract greater Māori
participation by integrating kaupapa Māori principles into the design, organisation, and execution of ultra-marathon events.
This research is also a personal journey of endurance and reconnection, reflecting on my own whakapapa as a descendant of Te Whakatōhea and an ultra-marathon runner. Raised outside of the iwi rohe, my path of reclaiming identity through sport mirrors the broader themes of cultural endurance and revitalisation explored in this thesis. By engaging with iwi histories, participating in kaupapa Māori spaces, and embedding tikanga into my athletic practice, I have sought to bridge the gap between past and present, creating a future where Māori endurance athletes can thrive within a culturally affirming space.
Ultimately, this thesis contributes to the growing discourse on Indigenous endurance sports, cultural resilience, and decolonial approaches to athletic participation. It affirms that ultra-marathon running, when grounded in whakapapa and tikanga, has the potential to serve as a tool for cultural reconnection, healing, and identity reclamation for Māori athletes and Te Whakatōhea whānau.

year: 2024