In 2010 the Ministry for Culture and Heritage led a review of the Historic Places Act 1993 (HPA) and as a result of that work the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Bill was drafted and is currently before the House. The Bill includes provisions that will result in some changes to how the NZHPT operates, and to archaeological provisions of the HPA. 

Supplementary Order Paper

The Supplementary Order Paper No 135 (SOP) resulting from the review of the registration provisions of the Historic Places Act is now available on the Parliamentary website here.

The submission period on the entire Heritage NZ Bill was extended to 29 November to allow comment on the SOP. The Select Committee will report back on 29 March 2013.

NZHPT’s membership programme

Please note that the NZHPT’s membership programme continues with around 20,000 people directly supporting New Zealand’s heritage work through their membership of our organisation, receiving a range of benefits in return.

Current members: you don’t need to do anything to confirm your continued support for New Zealand’s heritage except renew your membership when you receive notification that it is due to end. 

Volunteering with the NZHPT

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

Proposal to disestablish NZHPT Branch Committees

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

Our heritage advocacy work will continue to be done by our professional staff rather than Branch Committee members, which is the current approach. 

We have begun working directly with new regional heritage organisations that have been formed by some of our former branch committees. Together we hope to see even stronger heritage advocacy develop in local communities. Remaining branch committees are considering options for the future, such as whether to join with and strengthen other local heritage organisations, or establish new ones where they see a need.

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.

Membership-elected representatives on the NZHPT Board

Under the changes the Government will take responsibility for appointing all NZHPT Board members. The HPA currently requires that three Board members be elected by membership once every three years. 

Archaeological provisions

Proposed changes to the archaeological authority processes include: 

• simplifying and streamlining archaeological consenting processes to achieve efficiency gains, reduce costs to applicants and improve alignment with the Resource Management Act 1991
• combining the two main types of archaeological authority to create one authority with a single administrative process
• reducing the maximum timeframe for processing applications for modifications of archaeological sites, aligning them with relevant timeframes within the RMA
• ensuring the NZHPT’s Maori Heritage Council is involved in considering all applications that affect sites of Maori interest.

For more information, go to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage website.

Contacts

If you have any questions about the HPA Review or the Bill, please contact the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.