The NZHPT has begun developing an archaeological
Guidelines series to provide advice and assistance to the archaeological community,
on a range of topics. They are not intended to be prescriptive, but to act as
an information source for consultant archaeologists, and people potentially applying
for archaeological authorities. This series will be added to as more Guidelines
are written. They are available here as downloadable pdfs.
The NZHPT is involved
in an increasing number of archaeological authority applications for archaeological
sites that include buildings and standing structures.
These guidelines
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.
These guidelines 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.
These guidelines
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.
These guidelines 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.
These guidelines have been prepared to clarify
to the archaeological community how the NZHPT interprets Section 17 of the Historic
Places Act 1993, relating to the granting of approval to an archaeologist
to undertake archaeological work required as a condition of an authority. They
were developed in consultation with the archaeological community.
These guidelines 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.
There is a growing concern amongst New Zealand
archaeologists that work carried out for development projects is in danger of
becoming a mechanical process largely limited to the recording of information
(often in advance of site destruction) , rather than the application of that information
to the development of our understanding of New Zealand's past.
One of
the primary aims of the NZHPT in the formulation of the national research framework
is to address these concerns and provide a framework for archaeological work that
can be utilised by archaeologists working in New Zealand, regardless of their
circumstances. It is hoped that the framework will facilitate an integrated and
collaborative approach to the study of New Zealand's past.
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