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, although the review continues, some initial proposals that will change how the NZHPT operates have been agreed by the Government.  

Proposal to disestablish NZHPT Branch Committees

The first proposed change is that the NZHPT’s Branch Committees will not continue as part of the organisation.  

As a Crown Entity, the NZHPT exercises significant regulatory powers on behalf of the Crown, such as archaeological authorities and prosecutions when archaeological provisions of the Act are breached. In turn, the Crown provides around 80 percent of our annual funding, ensuring we can continue to protect and conserve New Zealand’s heritage. 

What does this mean for local heritage advocacy?

The NZHPT’s heritage advocacy work is done by our professional staff rather than Branch Committee members and that will continue. However, the proposal to disestablish Branch Committees could result in stronger heritage advocacy in local communities, as there may be opportunities for current branch committees to join with and strengthen other local heritage organisations, or to establish new ones where they see a need.

Over the next few months staff from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and the NZHPT will meet with branch committees around the country to discuss the change and determine what might happen next in each area. We aim to update information on this site as the outcomes of these meetings 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.

Next steps in the HPA Review

The policy work on other aspects of the review of the HPA is not yet concluded and further changes may yet be announced. When more information about these are available there will be an opportunity to comment.

It is expected that policy work on the HPA review will be completed in early 2010, with a Bill being introduced in the middle of the year.  It will be some time before these changes are implemented and even if the Bill is passed this year, the earliest that the revised Act would take effect would be 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.