Protecting archaeological heritage

New Zealand has over 70,000 recorded archaeological sites. Many potential tracks, trails, and outdoor access opportunities could pass by or over an archaeological site, so you must check first before you start building. 

Archaeological sites are an irreplaceable part of our heritage. Our history is rich, varied, unique, and belongs to all New Zealanders. What we discover from archaeological sites helps us better understand our past and learn from it.

If you wish to do any mahi that may affect an archaeological site, contact Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. The sites can be on land, water, or coastal marine areas.

The Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 defines an archaeological site as a place associated with pre-1900 human activity where there may be evidence relating to New Zealand's history. This could include buildings, structures, or shipwrecks. A place associated with post-1900 human activity may also be declared an archaeological site under the Act by gazette.

New Zealand has been settled since the 14th century, so many layers of history reflect successive land use and occupation patterns over hundreds of years.

Archaeological sites here include Māori pa and associated middens (historic rubbish dumps), cultivation areas and gardens, rock art sites, and urupā (burial sites). Consulting with iwi is an important part of the archaeological process.

The Archaeological Authority process

The Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act makes it unlawful for any person to modify or destroy, or cause to be modified or destroyed, the whole or any part of an archaeological site without the prior authority of Heritage New Zealand.

If you wish to do any mahi that may affect an archaeological site, you must obtain an Archaeological Authority from Heritage New Zealand before you begin.

Applying for an Archaeological Authority (Pouhere Taonga Heritage NZ brochure Aug 2014)

This is the case regardless of whether the land on which the site is located is designated, the activity is permitted under the District or Regional Plan or a resource or building consent has been granted.

This work could include, amongst other things:

• Residential developments, building walkways and cycleways, earthworks for forestry tracks, planting and harvesting, fencing, landscaping and trenching
• Road construction
• Quarrying
• Building demolition
• Alteration of a shipwreck

If you uncover a previously unknown site during earthworks, you will need permission to continue. You must stop any work that could affect the site and contact Pouhere Taonga Heritage NZ for advice on how to proceed.

The Act has strong provisions for non-compliance. Pouhere Taonga Heritage NZ wants to see the best outcome for archaeological sites and help ensure your project runs smoothly.

By complying with your Archaeological Authority conditions, you help add to the country’s mātauranga and help us preserve our heritage for the future.

What to do if you find an archaeological object

Archaeological objects can be exposed through natural processes like coastal erosion or earthworks and development. If people find something, they must leave it where it is found and cover it up, if possible, before contacting Heritage New Zealand.

When an object is removed, not only may it be an offence, but it undermines our understanding of context and history and could lead to further site damage. If an object has already been removed, it should be passed to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Heritage New Zealand or your local museum for assessing and returning to the rightful owner.

If koiwi (human remains) are found, the police should be contacted immediately. They will contact the local iwi and Heritage New Zealand to ensure all cultural protocols and Māori tikanga (custom) are adhered to before removal and reburial.

More information on protecting and managing archaeological sites

Searching for significant heritage sites and landmarks

You can search the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero (formerly the Register) for information about New Zealand’s significant heritage places, including Ngā Manawhenua o Aotearoa me ōna Kōrero Tūturu/National Historic Landmarks.

The searchable New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero

The Archaeological Reports Digital Library contains a wealth of information. You may be interested in searching by place to see what you can find.

The Archaeological Reports Digital Library

Contacting Pouhere Taonga Heritage NZ

Heritage New Zealand has archaeologists at Antrim House in Wellington and six regional offices, which you can contact for more information.

Antrim House, Wellington

• 04 472 4341
• information@heritage.org.nz

Kerikeri (office for Northland) Northland Area Office

• 09 407 0470
• infonorthland@heritage.org.nz

Auckland (office for Auckland, Thames/Coromandel and Hauraki) Northern Regional Office

• 09 307 9920
• infonorthern@heritage.org.nz

Tauranga (office for Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne) Lower Northern Area Office

• 07 577 4530
• infolowernorthern@heritage.org.nz

Wellington (office for Wairarapa, Manawatū, Hawke’s Bay, Tararua, Taranaki, Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson and Marlborough) Central Regional Office

• 04 494 8320
• Email infocentral@heritage.org.nz

Christchurch (office for Canterbury, South Canterbury, Kaikoura and West Coast) Southern Regional Office

• Phone 03 357 9629
• Email infosouthern@heritage.org.nz 

Otago/Southland Area Office (Dunedin (office for Otago, North Otago, Southland)            

• 03 477 9871 
• infodeepsouth@heritage.org.nz

Each track-building group is different — you may wish to talk with your Regional Field Advisor, so you get up-to-date advice and knowledge.