National Historic Landmarks
The National Historic Landmarks/Ngā Manawhenua o Aotearoa me ōna Kōrero Tūturu is a list of places of outstanding national heritage value.
What is National Historic Landmarks?
National Historic Landmarks/ Ngā Manawhenua o Aotearoa me ōna Kōrero Tūturu is an initiative introduced by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga to better recognise and protect those heritage places that New Zealanders care deeply about. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga was charged with establishing a list of outstanding heritage places that are cornerstones of our identity as New Zealanders.
The purpose of the Landmarks list is to promote an appreciation of the places of greatest heritage value to the people of New Zealand. It is also to promote the conservation of these places, including their protection from natural disasters.
Why National Historic Landmarks?
Our most cherished places are taonga that deserve strategic conservation and long-term protection. The purpose of the National Historic Landmarks list is to:
- promote the long-term protection of key heritage places
- assist in prioritising the government’s heritage conservation efforts
- further appreciation of these places by New Zealanders.
The National Historic Landmarks programme protects our defining moments in space and time, and helps us to take established traditions into the future. Inspiring a collective sense of belonging in the face of a dynamically changing New Zealand, National Historic Landmarks foster a sense of community and national ownership of these places and their stories.
How are National Historic Landmarks selected?
Recognition as a National Historic Landmark is based on rigorous assessment. To be considered, a heritage place must demonstrate:
- its historical, physical, and/or cultural significance
- wide public support
- a risk management plan approved by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
- owner agreement
- appropriate legal protection.
National Historic Landmarks must tell stories of who we are as New Zealanders, sharing our unique stories as a nation through places big or small, natural or built.
Applications for the National Historic Landmarks list are not yet open although there are a small number of places currently under consideration. Please contact the Manager Heritage Listing if you have any queries about National Historic Landmarks.
Which places have been recognised?
The Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Hon Grant Robertson approved Te Pitowhenua/Waitangi Treaty Grounds as New Zealand's first National Historic Landmark on 19 June 2019, following consultation with the Minister of Māori Development, Nanaia Mahuta. The National Historic Landmark programme was officially launched at Waitangi on 27 June 2019.
