Info: An archaeological site is a place associated with pre-1900 human activity, where there is physical evidence relating to the history of Aotearoa New Zealand. It is unlawful to modify an archaeological site without an archaeological authority under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 or approval under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.
About Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is an autonomous Crown entity. Their work, powers and functions are prescribed by the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014.
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is the leading bicultural government agency charged with identifying, preserving and promoting our unique heritage. They offer advice, support and administer the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero.
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga regulates the recovery of archaeological information if archaeological sites are required to be modified. Archaeological information is preserved by record where archaeological evidence cannot be preserved in-situ, and that information is made available on the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga website.
Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage administers the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014. It provides advice to Ministers on this Act as part of its role supporting New Zealand’s arts, heritage, broadcasting and sports sectors.
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga has a role in the Fast-track process
Where approval is sought to modify archaeological sites under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga will review the information provided with an application. They will provide the expert panel with reports and may recommend conditions.
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga will monitor your compliance with any archaeological conditions imposed, including requirements to submit a report on the archaeological work carried out.
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga may also comment on any impacts to historic heritage for applications seeking a resource consent or notice of requirement, where invited to do so.
The Fast-track process guides applicants
If you make a Fast-track application, the application process will guide your work with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. The application forms explain the information needed. The Fast-track team will help applicants connect with the right people at Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.
If you require an archaeological approval, please arrange a pre-application meeting with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, which will be able to advise you on the information required for your application.
Archaeological sites are legally protected
The Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 makes it unlawful for any person to modify or destroy the whole or any part of an archaeological site, without the prior authority of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. It also provides for substantial penalties for the unauthorised modification or destruction of a site.
An archaeological site is defined in the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014. It is any place that was associated with human activity that occurred before 1900 and that may provide, through archaeological investigation, evidence relating to the history of Aotearoa New Zealand.
All archaeological sites are legally protected no matter whether known or just suspected, recorded or unrecorded, listed in the district plan or the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero or not, or if resource consent or building consent has been granted or not.
This protection continues under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024