By David Watt 

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga are working in conjunction with the New Zealand Archaeological Association (NZAA), the principal organiser of New Zealand Archaeology Week, to support a series of events across the country showcasing the importance of protecting our archaeological heritage and to reach out to community groups including schools and arranging field trips.

New Zealand Archaeology Week will be held over 22 – 30 April 2023.  

With a goal to promote and foster archaeological and historical research, NZAA lobbies government and local authorities for the recognition and protection of New Zealand’s cultural heritage through planning consultation and engagement. 

A wide variety of people make up NZAA’s membership, from professionals, amateurs, students, and organisations, with all assisting or looking forward to the week’s activities. 

To stay up to date with what is being planned, follow NZAA on Facebook and check out their website at www.nzarchaeology.org.nz.

As the regulator for archaeology in Aotearoa New Zealand, we are excited to be involved with supporting the following activities:  

• new episodes of the Aotearoa Unearthed podcast
• an archaeology open day at Fyffe House in Kaikōura
• archaeology events at Totara Estate, Ōamaru
• Ngā Kōhatu o Aotearoa: a visual display illustrating ways Māori used stone in everyday life (Procter Library, Kerikeri)
• a two-day training course on maritime archaeology will be held at Highwic in Newmarket, Auckland
• a short documentary on dry-stone walls in the Auckland central isthmus 
• a guided walking tour in central Tauranga of pre-1900 sites from the Historic Tauranga: Nga Tauwae ki Te Papa map and guide
• archaeology talks are planned at Wellington City Council’s CBD libraries.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga will be posting updates and information to our Facebook page here.