Nothofagus menziesiileaves dated at 7 490 yr B.P. in till-like sediments at Milford Sound, New Zealand

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Abstract
Leaves of Nothofagus menziesii and other plant fragments representing species still abundant in the area were identified from organic material dated at 7 490 yr B.P. (based on a half-life of 5 568 yr), in a terrace flanking the Cleddau River. This material is in strongly contorted layers of silt and gravel, and overlain by massive boulders. The age of the leaves provides strong evidence that Nothofagus survived in the south of New Zealand through the Otiran glaciation. The deposits are possibly related to a wasting, residual mass of Otiran ice. The height of the terrace (7 m) represents the result of tectonic uplift, at least in part.