An archaeological site is defined by the Historic Places Act 1993 as a place associated with pre-1900 human activity, where there may be evidence relating to the history of New Zealand, and any site that meets this definition is afforded automatic statutory protection under the Act. It is unlawful for any person to destroy, damage or modify the whole or any part of an archaeological site without the prior authority of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

Post-1900 archaeological sites such as World War I or II gun emplacements or 20th century industrial sites (e.g. goldmining sites, whaling stations, sawmills) are not currently protected under the Act, unless they have been gazetted by the Historic Places Trust as an archaeological site.

Note : Post-1900 sites may be scheduled in a District/ Regional Plan, and therefore protected by the rules of that Plan which relate to historic heritage.

What is the process for gazettal?

Under Section 9(2) of the Act, a post-1900 site may be declared as an 'archaeological site' if it is/may be able to provide significant evidence relating to the historical and cultural heritage of New Zealand through investigation by archaeological methods.

The process for gazettal is straightforward. There is no nomination form at present; if you wish to nominate a site for gazettal, please contact archaeologist@historic.org.nz for advice and information.

If the site is considered to be a worthy candidate for gazettal, a proposal will then be prepared by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. An archaeological assessment of the site will be prepared as part of the proposal, if one does not already exist, that details the historical and archaeological significance of the site and includes clear locational data along with maps, photos and other material.

The proposal must then be approved by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust Board. Upon Board approval, notification is placed in the Gazette, and two public newspapers (as appropriate depending upon where the site is located geographically).

Note : the consent of the affected landowner or occupier is not required for gazettal.

What kind of protection does gazettal afford?

Gazettal of a post-1900 site as an 'archaeological site' means that it is protected under the archaeological provisions of the Act. This means that it is unlawful to undertake any activity that may modify, damage or destroy the site, unless authorized (under an archaeological authority) by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

How many post-1900 archaeological sites have been gazetted by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust?

To date, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust has gazetted three post-1900 archaeological sites. These are:

• The Napier Prison Wall, 55 Coote Road Napier
  (registered as a Category I Historic Place)
  Read more
  
• The Makatote Tramway, State Highway 4, Erua
  (registered as a Category II Historic Place)
  Read more
  
• 20th Century Goldmining Sites, Remarkables Conservation Area, Upper Nevis, Central Otago
  See the side bar for more information.

If you know of other important and at-risk 20th century archaeological sites and would like to nominate a site to be considered for gazettal, please contact archaeologist@historic.org.nz.