Developing tree ring chronologies from New Zealand matai (Prumnopitys taxifolia (D.Don) Laub.) for archaeological dating: Stable isotope dendrochronology

Aotearoa New Zealand has a rich cultural heritage but dating wooden objects using classic dendrochronology is challenging due to paucity of master tree-ring width chronologies for species commonly identified in the archaeological record. This paper explores potential stable isotopic approach matai (Prumnopitys taxifolia (D.Don) Laub.). A total six annual oxygen isotope (δ18O) series growing Pureora Forest Reserve, were analysed and their isotopes found exhibit level coherence that enabled cross-dating. provisional chronology covering period 1930–2018 CE was developed tested against sample from Kauaeranga Valley (200 km north Pureora) miro ferruginea Miro another common archive, also difficult date ring-width dendrochronology. Both Kaueranga samples cross matched site at correct position, with weaker statistics (Student’s t: 4.26 4.11 respectively) compared results obtained two (non-2019) sampled this study (Student's 6.80 5.66). These nevertheless demonstrate presence regional-scale signal which may be future use as precision tool.