The New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) is New Zealand’s leading national historic heritage agency and guardian of Aotearoa New Zealand’s national heritage. The environment in which NZHPT is operating continues to be characterised by a growing interest in heritage, recognition of its social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits, and awareness of its importance to national identity.

The NZHPT was established by an Act of Parliament in 1954.  The NZHPT is established as an autonomous Crown Entity under the Crown Entities Act 2004, and is supported by the Government and funded via Vote Arts, Culture and Heritage through the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.  Its work, powers and functions are prescribed by the Historic Places Act 1993. 

Most protective mechanisms for land-based historic heritage are administered by local authorities through their District Plan policies and heritage listings under the Resource Management Act 1991, although the NZHPT retains regulatory responsibilities regarding archaeological sites.

It is currently governed by a Board of Trustees, assisted by a Maori Heritage Council. The national office for the NZHPT is in Wellington, with regional and area offices located in Kerikeri, Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

The distinctive characteristics of New Zealand’s land and buildings are important to the way we shape our communities; socially, economically, aesthetically and culturally. The NZHPT believes the conservation of this heritage enables New Zealanders to develop a greater understanding of their history and identity.

Part of this heritage is lost forever each time an historic place is irrevocably changed. The NZHPT’s goal is to minimise unnecessary losses and damage by ensuring that the value of our heritage is acknowledged before irreversible damage is done

Vision Tirohanga

Our heritage is valued, respected and preserved for present and future generations

Ko a tatau taonga tuku iho, e kaingakautia ana, e whakanuitia ana, e tiakina ana mo a tatau whakatipuranga,o naianei, o a muri iho nei

Mission Whakatautanga

To identify, protect and promote heritage

Kia mohiotia atu, kia tiakina, kia hapaingia a tatau taonga tuku iho

Values

The heritage places of New Zealand:

• Are rich, varied and unique
• Are central to our national identity and well-being, now and in the future
•  Embody the stories of all generations, cultures, traditions and communities
• Include the heritage places of Maori which are integral to their whakapapa and identity
• Make a creative contribution to the diversity of our national life
• Deserve the best recognition and care for the benefi t of future generations
• Are resources for increasing economic growth including tourism.

Nga Uaratanga a te Taonga Tuku iho

Ko nga wahi taonga tuku iho o Aotearoa:

• E whai hua ana, e momo whanui ana, e ahurei noa ana
• E toro tia mai ana ko wai tatau, he oranga hoki inaianei, a muri iho nei hoki
• E eke ana ki nga korero whakatipuranga, ki nga tikanga me nga kawa a nga hau kainga
• E pumau ana ki nga wahi taonga tuku iho a te Maori, ki ona whakapapa, ki ona mana motuhake
• E toi marama ana, te rereketanga a a tatau noho oranga
• E whai hua atu ana ki a tatau rawa pera ki te tapoitanga
• E tika ana me tiaki pumau, he oranga hoki mo nga whakatpuranga a muri iho.