AGS1 Guidelines for Investigation and Recording of Buildings

These guidelines (pdf) have been developed in response to a need for information and standards for buildings recording and analysis work. In the first instance, they are intended as a technical guide, for use by heritage professionals with training and/or experience in this field.

It is expected that in some instances the approved archaeologist carrying out work required by an archaeological authority will need to obtain professional assistance to assist with meeting the conditions relating to buildings recording and analysis.

AGS2 Guidelines for Writing Archaeological Assessments

These guidelines (pdf) have been prepared to assist the archaeological community with the preparation of archaeological assessments. They are not prescriptive, but are intended to convey the NZHPT's view on appropriate standards.

They have been developed within the current framework of best practice for archaeological and heritage management in New Zealand, as espoused in international ICOMOS charters, national legislation, government heritage policy and codes of ethics for archaeological practice in New Zealand.

AGS3 Research Strategies for Sections 15 & 18 Authorities

These guidelines (pdf) have been prepared to assist archaeologists with the preparation of research strategies that may be required as part of the information requirements for applications made under Sections 15 and 18 of the Historic Places Act 1993 , or as a condition of archaeological authorities granted under that Act.

Section 2 of these guidelines provides some background about archaeological investigations and the Historic Places Act.

AGS4 Guidelines for Section 18 Authorities

These guidelines (pdf) have been prepared to clarify to the archaeological community how the NZHPT interprets Section 18 of the Historic Places Act 1993, which allows for the archaeological investigation of any archaeological site.

They were developed in consultation with the archaeological community.

AGS5 Guidelines for Section 17 Approval

They were developed in consultation with the archaeological community.

AGS6 Dealing with Overdue Authority Reports

These guidelines (pdf) have been prepared to advise the archaeological community on a process for dealing with the large numbers of overdue reports deriving from archaeological work undertaken as a requirement of the authority process.

Audits into the number of overdue authority reports show that for the authorities granted for the period 1993 (when the new Historic Places Act was introduced) until the end of 2003, there are approximately 300 reports outstanding.

AGS7 Guidelines For Archaeologists In Relation To The Finding Of Artefacts

These guidelines (pdf) have been prepared to provide professional advice to archaeologists when dealing with artefacts during their work.  

The guidelines were derived from discussions at a workshop with the NZ Archaeology Professional Development Cell in 2007, and are intended to show the paths that archaeologists should take when either coming across a chance artefact, or when preparing for and undertaking an excavation in which artefacts are likely to be found.

AGS8 Guidelines for Koiwi Tangata/Human Remains

The Koiwi Tangata/Human Remains Guidelines (pdf) have been prepared for use by NZHPT staff, heritage administrators and consultants, archaeologists, the police, territorial local authorities (TLAs), government departments, project managers, property owners, and the general public. At any time, these people may be involved in the discovery, excavation, exhumation, storage, re-interment or repatriation of koiwi tangata/human remains.