New Zealand Historic Places Trust
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New Zealand Historic Places Trust
Commonly known at HPT or the Trust the Historic Places Trust is the premier regulatory body for the protection of New Zealand Archaeology.
The Trust has a broad mandate for advocacy and for the protection of historic heritage. It owns some properties but has not been active in acquiring new ones. It has a membership base but is largely funded by the Government which appoints most of the Trust Board.
It maintains a register of historic places, some of which are archaeological sites. Its powers in respect of buildings are mainly those of persuasion and in some cases of delay, but it usually cannot prevent the demolition of buildings.
Its powers in respect of archaeological sites are greater. Archaeological sites - generally restricted to those older than 1900 AD - have blanket protection and cannot be investigated or destroyed other than with the permission of the Trust. They can prosecute acts in defiance of these provisions. Sites do not have to be registered under the Trust Act to be protected. The NZAA Site recording Scheme often acts as a defacto register for the Trust in respect of archaeological sites
Reform
Late in the 2011 Parliamentary session a bill was introduced to reform the Trust. It will not be considered until after the 2011 election. The Bill can be seen here.
Other Government Agencies
Other agencies are listed [here].
