The stratigraphy and geomorphology of Lake Maratoto and its surrounds were investigated as part of a programme of paleolimnological studies based on sediment cores from lakes in northern North Island. Changes in the lake and catchment were inferred from variations in sediment character, the correlation and timing being determined from distinctive tephra layers in the sediments and by radiocarbon dating. Nineteen new C-l4 dates, on gyttja or peat, are reported (old T½, years B.P,): 11 on tephras (Mamaku Ash 6830 ±90. Wk227; Rotoma Ash 8370 ± 90, Wk522; 8350 ± 100, Wk523; Opepe Tephra 9370 ± 210, Wk230; Mangamate Tephra 9700 ± 140, Wk23l; 10000 ± 120, Wk232; Waiohau Ash 12 200 ± 230, Wk233; 12500 ± 190, Wk234; 12450 ± 200, Wk5l5; 12300 ± 190,Wk516; RotoruaAsh 13450 ± 120, Wk511); 5 on the deposition of Hinuera Formation alluvium (16 300 ± 250, Wk239; 16 900 ± 470, Wk240; 17050 ± 200, Wk358; 16200 +360 -340, Wk509; 15 850 ± 130, Wk510); and 3 on basal peat of the Rukuhia bog (10 250 ± 90, Wk114; 15200 ± 130, Wk534; 10600 ± 90, Wk553).
Lake Maratoto originated c. 17 000 years ago when a small valley was dammed by volcanogenic alluvium (Hinuera Formation). From c. 17 000 to c. 14 000 years ago the lake was about 2 m deep with clear water. Marginal peat first developed at c. 15000 years ago, reducing the area of the lake by about one-half by c. 13 000 years ago. Lake area then expanded, possibly because of marginal erosion and/or oxidation of the peat, to its maximum size at the present day. The adjacent Rukuhia peat bog grew rapidly from c. 11 000 years ago and is now 8 m thick immediately to the west of the lake. As a result of this growth, the lake became dystrophic and deepened (3.5 m at c. 7000 years ago, 6.4 m at c. 2000 years ago, and 7. 1 m today).
The developmental history suggests that net precipitation increased at c. 15 000 years ago, increased further at c. 11 000 years ago, remaining high to c. 7000 years ago at least, but with a decline at or before c. 2000 years ago. There may have been a distinctly wetter or windier period from c. 10 000 to 9000 years ago.
This interpretation is consistent with other reconstructions of postglacial climate in the Southern Hemisphere.
