About
Nau mai, haere mai. Welcome to Historic Places Aotearoa.
Your heritage needs you
To advocate for heritage effectively, we need strong voices locally, regionally and nationally.
Historic Places Aotearoa (HPA) aims to be the lead non-statutory, independent national voice for heritage. For the Government to take notice of this voice, HPA needs to represent a broad base of organisations concerned about heritage. Currently, HPA comprises independent, affiliated Member Organisations. This enables HPA to speak as a collective on national heritage issues.
We would like to see more like-minded organisations and individuals join.
New Zealand Historic Places Trust was once the national independent voice for heritage.
Heritage New Zealand, the Crown entity that replaced the trust, is not an independent heritage voice. It operates under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014.
New Zealand Historic Places Trust’s Regional Branch Committees were abolished under this same Act.
In 2013, a number of former branch committees reformed under the HPA banner to ensure a strong independent heritage voice continued. HPA started as a non-Government organisation to represent historic heritage interests nationally. Its main aims are to help preserve historic places in Aotearoa New Zealand for the benefit of present and future generations; to lift awareness and appreciation of heritage values; and help regional societies promote heritage.
HPA also works with affiliated heritage organisations, and helps Member Organisations collaborate and advocate for heritage regionally or locally. In return, Member Organisations support HPA on national issues and provide funding through levies, set by the Member Organisations at HPA’s Annual General Meeting.
Local groups initiate most advocacy for historic places in their areas. Under the Resource Management Act, local authorities must recognise and protect community heritage, and listen to the voice representing heritage in their local community.
Since late 2014, HPA has mainly comprised regional Member Organisations. As long as they hold similar aims to HPA, people can join as associate, individual, corporate or life members.
An executive runs HPA’s affairs. Delegates from each Member Organisation elect this executive biennially. Member Organisations have voting rights at HPA’s AGM.
What’s in it for me?
By joining HPA, you will help protect New Zealand’s heritage, have a voice on issues affecting our heritage via submissions on government policy and legislation, and be part of a wider network of like-minded organisations. You will also receive a local page on the HPA’s website; HPA’s Microsoft subscription; the regular HPA newsletter Oculus.
Contact Us:
Email: info@historicplacesaotearoa.org.nz
James Blackburne