Archaeological Guidelines
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.
Guidelines for Investigation and Recording of Buildings
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.
Guidelines for Writing Archaeological Assessments
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.
Research Strategies for Sections 15 & 18 Authorities
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.
Guidelines for Section 18 Authorities
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.
Guidelines for Section 17 Approval
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.
Dealing with Overdue Authority Reports
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.
National Research Framework
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 development of our understanding of New Zealand's past.
One of the primary aims 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.
|
