Earthworks at the construction site in central Oamaru were put on hold in late August after the discovery of a pre-1900 European/Pakeha domestic occupation site by a consultant archaeologist during excavation work.
After an archaeological assessment of the site in the block between Ribble and Dee Sts, remains of the former North Otago Brewery were also found and further investigations took place.
Construction work resumed several weeks later.
A Mitre 10 New Zealand Ltd spokeswoman said the Heritage Property New Zealand staff member who had been on site after the finds was no longer based there full time.
The person’s role was to ensure any excavation work was completed under the conditions placed on the company after the discoveries, which included work being stopped.
The spokeswoman said the staff member remained "semi on-call in an observation role", but would return if further excavation work took place, which was possible for aspects such as drainage.
No other items of archaeological interest have been dug up since the remains of the dwelling and brewery were discovered.
Meanwhile, work on the company's 6000sq m, $18 million premises remained on track for a planned mid-2020 opening, Mitre 10 Oamaru owner operator Simon Lye said.
"The steel structure is going up quickly and, along with the concrete panel walls, we are now getting a really good idea of the size and scale of the building.
"Almost all of the concrete foundations are now in place and we will soon get started on drainage. In early January we will finish off the final sections of structural steel and complete the rest of the concrete wall panels.
"The key focus at the moment is getting the roofing installed.
"During the excavation work we have worked closely with the archaeologists to recover and record any items of interest.
"It’s been great to work with them, and aside from the original delay while we undertook the assessment, this has not impacted our construction schedule."
