Trust Conditions "Best Outcome for Heritage"

New Zealand Historic Places Trust Media Release
10 May 2002

The New Zealand Historic Places Trust has imposed conditions on the granting of three archaeological authorities applied for by Transit New Zealand, thereby ensuring the best possible outcome for the heritage that will be affected by Wellington's planned Inner City Bypass.

The conditions will require Transit New Zealand to carry out archaeological research, investigation and interpretation of information for the benefit of the public on the properties and land lying along the path of the Inner City Bypass.

"This has not been an easy decision for the Trust" commented Dr Bill Tramposch, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. "We were faced with the task of obtaining the best outcome for heritage in a context where the key resource management decisions had already been taken. Given there was no going back on those decisions, our debate centred on how we would respect our agency's chief objective of keeping heritage alive and useful. Declining the authorities would only see the continued neglect, and possibly destruction of the properties concerned. The responsible decision was therefore to grant the authorities while imposing clear conditions that would contribute to the greater public good."

For example, the archaeological work that will be undertaken as a condition of the authorities will provide a rare opportunity for the public to gain a unique insight into the early history of Wellington and the lives of its inhabitants. The area concerned comprises a complex landscape with clusters of sites dating from the Victorian era settlement of Wellington, including standing buildings and associated subsurface historic remains. It is also possible that archaeological evidence from Maori occupation and use of the area may survive.

"We will be closely monitoring the archaeological work, and working with Transit and the Wellington City Council to meet the challenges of restoring and relocating the heritage properties to their new environment" said Dr Tramposch. "The Board and management of the Trust are confident that this outcome is the best possible one for heritage and that public awareness of the importance of our heritage will be greatly increased."

For more details please contact:
David Watt
Area Coordinator - Central Region
Tel : (04) 472-4341
Fax: (04) 499-0669
Email: dwatt@historic.org.nz

Dr Rick McGovern-Wilson
Senior Archaeologist
Tel: 04 472 4341 or Mob 021 250 1881
Fax: 04 499 0669
Email: rmcgwilson@historic.org.nz