Take note, cover and report - that's the message from the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) to anyone that finds koiwi tangata (human remains).

The message follows the recent discovery of a skeleton in sand at Castlepoint beach that was dug up by a nine-year-old boy dubbed "the little Indiana Jones" by his parents.

NZHPT has a guideline document available to assist people who may be involved in the discovery, excavation, exhumation, storage, reinterment or repatriation of koiwi tangata. The document is timely given the increasing development of coastal areas previously occupied by Maori and the level of natural erosion that often exposes koiwi tangata.

NZHPT Central Region General Manager Ann Neill said while people had a naturally inquisitive nature it was important they were culturally and legally aware of what to do when finding koiwi tangata.

"You are required by law to contact the NZHPT - who can provide advice and guidance - and local police as soon as koiwi tangata are found. The more people we can get this message to the better - it's important to leave any recovery and investigation to the experts. These are also ancestors of the land, who deserve to be treated with respect.

"If you find what you think is koiwi tangata or an archaeological artefact it's important that you leave it where it is, take note of where it is, cover it up if you are able to and report it as soon as possible."

If the remains are considered to be pre-1900 and likely to be tangata whenua, NZHPT will liaise with the appropriate iwi or hapu. Mrs Neill said NZHPT shared concerns with iwi that burial sites were treated with respect, and that handling and removing of koiwi tangata and historical artefacts did not become targets for fossickers.