Heritage – New guidance for planting in archaeological or cultural sites

Area Manager for Otago/Southland, Sarah Gallagher, discovered during a presentation to volunteers last year that many groups undertaking new planting projects didn’t realise the risks of damaging a cultural or archaeological site.

“Much of the issue was that people simply didn’t realise that by digging up the ground, or planting species with deep or invasive root systems, they might be illegally modifying or damaging archaeological or cultural sites,” says Sarah.

“This guidance provides practical advice about how to identify sites in the planting area, who to talk to, and how to plan the planting to enhance and protect sites and avoid damaging them.”

The advice was created in consultation with Aukaha and Dunedin City Council staff, and has been reviewed by Otago Regional Council, The Halo Project, and QEII National Trust.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is a leading agency in the response to climate change and environmental sustainability in matters relating to heritage, archaeology, and whare Māori, supporting decision-makers and communities to plan for a climate resilient future. Informative educational resources such as the planting guide are an important part of this work.

Careful selection of appropriate species will not only safeguard archaeology, but can also reduce the loss of natural materials, which threatens traditional knowledge and practices, and the ability of Māori to conserve their taonga and built heritage.

Additionally, the return of native species will restore the natural environment and promote biodiversity and climate resilience in an inherently sustainable way.

“The guidance has already proved valuable in preventing site damage in a cultural landscape where there is archaeology,” says Sarah. “The aim is now to get the word out there about this potential issue. It’s about working together to achieve the best heritage outcomes for cultural landscapes and protecting archaeology while also supporting environmental restoration and contributing to climate change mitigation.”

While this first resource is focused on the Dunedin district, the aim is to adapt the advice for other areas of the country.

Sarah is proud to support local landscapers in their work. “Planting is often approached with aesthetic values foremost. This resource will assist landscapers and their clients to think more broadly about how their mahi can have a lasting positive impact for generations to come.”

The new guidance, along with advice on legal responsibilities regarding archaeology, is available upon request from infoDeepSouth@heritage.org.nz

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is the leading national historic heritage agency for Aotearoa New Zealand, operating as an autonomous Crown Entity. Our mission is to identify, protect, and promote heritage – Kia mōhiotia atu, kia tiakina, kia hāpaingia ā tātau taonga tuku iho.

We actively engage with communities, foster partnerships, and provide valuable resources to support those who are passionate about exploring, learning, and connecting with our rich cultural heritage. For more information, please visit our website at www.heritage.org.nz

The HNZPT Act 2014 defines an archaeological site as a place associated with human activity before 1900, which can provide historical information. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga manage the applications for archaeology in Aotearoa, making sure artefacts are found, recorded and preserved during construction, landscaping, and earthworks. We also advise on managing discoveries and help protect important sites, working with relevant iwi and Manatū Taonga on historical objects and sites that are important to Māori.