The stratigraphy and depositional systems of Paleocene strata, Te Kaukau Point, New Zealand

Concomitant drift of the New Zealand landmass to lower latitudes and subjection to warm oceanic currents southeast of Australia, could be the reason for the accelerated erosion of the New Zealand landmass. This relocation was possibly the cause of the subsequent period of relative quiescence, tectonically, and warmer climate by the early Paleocene. Erosional byproducts are well preserved at Te Kaukau Point, New Zealand as siliciclastic and carbonate rocks.; Paleocurrent data indicate the sediment was shed from west-to-east. Starvation of coarser material is reflected in the fine-grained nature of the siliciclastic sediments deposited on the outer slope to deep-sea. Preserved sedimentary structures indicate that the interbedded sandstones and siltstones of the Awhea Formation were deposited by high and low-density turbidity flows. The Globorotalia-globigerina-rich wackestone of the Mungaroa Formation represents normal background sedimentation with pulses of sand brought down by turbidity currents and interbedded with the carbonate sediment.