In the lead up to the 2008 General Election, the National Party indicated its interest in reviewing the Historic Places Act 1993 (HPA) as well as a number of other pieces of legislation.

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage has been leading the review and initial proposals that will change how the NZHPT operates have been agreed by the Government, and decisions made about archaeological provisions of the HPA. 

Archaeological provisions of the HPA

Under the review the Government had been considering whether to move the HPA’s archaeological provisions to the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), which is also under review. A decision has been made to retain these provisions within the HPA, but with some changes.

The key changes announced on 9 July will simplify processes in the HPA by:

• combining the two main types of archaeological authority to create one authority with a single administrative process
• reducing the statutory processing times for authorities from three months to 20 days (in most cases)
• ensuring the NZHPT’s Maori Heritage Council is involved in considering all applications that affect sites of Maori interest, and
• creating a new ‘simplified’ process for authorities of a more minor nature whereby the applicant is not required to provide an archaeological assessment with their application.

These changes will bring greater alignment of the HPA with the RMA.

Proposal to disestablish NZHPT Branch Committees

The Government has made a policy decision that the NZHPT’s Branch Committees will not continue as part of the organisation.

The NZHPT’s heritage advocacy work will continue to be done by our professional staff rather than Branch Committee members, which is the current approach, however the hope is that stronger heritage advocacy in local communities will develop. Current branch committees may join with and strengthen other local heritage organisations, or establish new ones where they see a need.

Staff from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and the NZHPT have met with branch committees around the country to discuss the change and determine what might happen next in each area. In early July, branch committee members took part in a national meeting to discuss options for future development.  NZHPT will continue to work with branch committees on transitioning to new groups. We will update information on this site as the outcomes of these discussions are known.

Although less than one percent of our members take an active role on these committees, their efforts over the years have made a significant difference for heritage; from research to publications, events and education, their efforts and the legacy they have left can be seen throughout the NZHPT’s own heritage, as well as in the ever increasing recognition of New Zealand’s unique heritage. Many places throughout New Zealand have been protected and preserved thanks to their efforts.

Volunteering with the NZHPT

There are opportunities for people who care about heritage to volunteer with the NZHPT. We already have volunteers working at properties cared for by the NZHPT.

Membership-elected representatives on the NZHPT Board

The Government also proposes to take responsibility for appointing all NZHPT Board members. The current legislation requires three Board members to be elected by membership, once every three years. Changes to the legislation to reflect this move are planned for this year.

Over the years the focus and service of elected representatives have helped to ensure the survival of many of New Zealand’s historic places, ensuring their survival they can be appreciated today and in the future, representing what makes this country unique.

NZHPT’s membership programme

The NZHPT’s membership programme will continue. Over 22,000 people currently support New Zealand’s heritage work and receive a range of membership benefits in return.

Current members: please note that your valued membership of the NZHPT will continue. You don’t need to do anything to confirm your continued support for New Zealand’s heritage except renew your current membership when you receive notification that it is due to end.

Remaining steps in the HPA Review

All policy decisions relating to the review of the HPA involving the governance arrangements of the NZHPT and the archaeological authority provisions have now been made. The proposed changes will require legislative amendment so a bill will be drafted and introduced to Parliament later this year. It is usual for a select committee to consider the bill as part of the process.  It is expected the Bill will be passed in 2011.

Contacts

If you have any questions about the HPA Review, please contact the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.  You may wish to email the Ministry using their dedicated email address for this review: hpareview@mch.govt.nz.