Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is the government agency responsible for identifying, protecting and promoting this country’s unique historical and cultural heritage.
Who we are
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is an autonomous Crown Entity under the Crown Entities Act 2004. We are supported by the Government and funded via Vote Arts, Culture and Heritage through the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Our work, powers and functions are prescribed by the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014.
Formerly known as the Historic Places Trust, we are co-governed by our Board and Māori Heritage Council and guided by Tapuwae.
Our vision
Tairangahia a tua whakarere;
Tātakihia ngā reanga o āmuri ake nei
Honouring the past; Inspiring our future
Our mission
Ensure that our bicultural history is understood by New Zealanders and all peoples.
Ko te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata; ko te pae tata, whakamaua kia tina.
Seek you the distant horizon to bring it close, the horizon that is close hold fast.
What we do
Our staff work with a diverse range of communities and organisations to identify this country's most significant heritage places for inclusion on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero and Ngā Manawhenua o Aotearoa me ōna Kōrero Tūturu/National Historic Landmarks programme.
We research these places and—where appropriate—make the knowledge available to all New Zealanders.
We provide heritage building and site owners with funding opportunities through the National Heritage Preservation Incentive Fund, offer advice, support and hands-on guidance through the Māori Built Heritage Programme, coordinate covenants for heritage properties and provide insight into heritage-related legislation.
Our archaeologists manage the national archaeological authority process, preserving the resulting mātauranga in our Archaeology Digital Library.
We hold regular events, talks and webinars to promote Aotearoa New Zealand’s heritage.
Our heritage properties and membership programme inspire heritage-focused communities, both physically and online. And our award-winning publications celebrate this country’s historic and cultural heritage in all its unique richness.
Careers in heritage
Official Information Act
The Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) helps New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and anyone in New Zealand to access information held by governments and government agencies. This promotes openness and transparency, and enables public participation in government. Here you will find a summary of recent requests for information sought from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga under this legislation.
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