The NZHPT’s Maori Heritage Council was established under the Historic Places Act 1993. It comprises a minimum of three appointed or elected Maori members of the Board of Trustees, one other Board member, and four people appointed by the Minister of Culture and Heritage. The functions of the Council include:

• the protection and registration of wahi tapu and wahi tapu areas
• assisting the NZHPT to develop and reflect a bicultural view in the exercise of its powers and functions
• providing assistance to whanau, hapu and Iwi in the preservation and management of their heritage resources
• consideration of recommendations in relation to archaeological sites
• advocacy of the interests of the NZHPT and Council so far as they relate to Maori heritage at any public or Maori forum.

Current Members of the Maori Heritage Council:

• Sir Tumu te Heuheu (Chair)  
• Merata Kawharu
• Apirana Mahuika
• Manos Nathan
• Gerard O'Regan
• Jamie Tuuta
• Che Wilson