Archaeological Sites

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Protecting Archaeological Sites

How do I find out about archaeological sites on my property?

The New Zealand Historic Places Trust's Archaeologists or your regional Trust office can provide information about archaeological sites. The New Zealand Archaeological Association has a national database of recorded archaeological sites.

You could also employ an archaeologist to do an archaeological survey of your property. They will be able to identify, record, and assess any archaeological sites that may be present.

What are your responsibilities?

Storage pits, Piarere, Waikato. Picture: NZHPT

If you own, occupy or are responsible for land, it may contain an archaeological site. These sites are protected in law. Please read further to find out

• What an archaeological site is
• How it is protected
• What you do when working with a site
• How you can look after an archaeological site
• Who to contact for information and advice.

What is an archaeological site?

Coppermine pumphouse ruins Kawau Island. Picture: Tim Smith, DoC

The Historic Places Act 1993 ("the Act") defines an archaeological site as a place associated with pre-1900 human activity, where there may be evidence relating to the history of New Zealand.

Types of archaeological sites:

Maori pa sites are fortified places with banks and ditches. They are often found on cliffs, headlands or ridges.

Remains of cultivation areas and gardens can be seen in soils and from lines or walls of loose stones or stone mounds. Other types of site associated with cultivation and settlement include artificially levelled terraces, and pits for storing kumara.

Middens are rubbish dumps that may contain shells, bones, artefacts, charcoal and sometimes stone ovens.

Rock art sites may contain paintings, drawings, carvings or engravings.

Other historic sites contain evidence of whaling, trading,and gold mining, or the remains of mission stations, military redoubts, buildings and structures.

What protection does the law give archaeological sites?

Midden showing moa bones, Kaupokonui, Taranaki. Picture: NZHPT

The Act makes it unlawful for any person to destroy, damage or modify the whole or any part of an archaeological site, whether or not the land on which the site is located is designated, or a resource or building consent has been issued, without the prior authority of the Trust.

It also provides for substantial penalties for unauthorised destruction, damage or modification.

What if I plan to do work that may damage an archaeological site?

Present day Rangiriri Pa, Waikato. Picture: NZHPT

If there is a chance you may damage a site, you must apply to the New Zealand Historic Places Trust for permission to do so. The Trust can avise you of the most suitable course of action.

If you uncover a previously unknown site during earthworks, you may also need permission to continue.You must stop any work that would affect the site and contact the Trust for advice on how to proceed.

Can anyone disturb an archaeological site in order to study it?

Rock art, Frenchman's Gully, South Canterbury Picture: NZHPT

Any person wishing to carry out an investigation that might disturb an archaeological site in any way must apply to the Trust for permission to do so.

How can I look after an archaeological site?

This will depend on the type of siet, local environment conditions and the land use. If you are developing land that contans archaeological sites, try to avoid the sites if possible.

For most rural sites, grass grazed by sheep gives the best protection. Regular trampling by heavier animals such as horses and cattle can erode the site. Large plants, vines and trees cause damage when their roots grow throug hthe site, and further damage can occur when they are removed, harvested or blow over.

You might also wish to place a covenant over the site, register the site with the Trust, or create a reserve to ensure its future protection. If you would like advice on the best management and protection for your particular site(s), please contact the Trust.

A copy of this brochure may be obtained from Trust offices.
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