Heritage
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Scheduled archaeological features
An archaeological site contains scientific, cultural or
historical evidence as to the exploration, occupation, settlement or development
of New Zealand. In some cases this evidence is clearly visible; in others it is
not.
Archaeological sites are usually of previous Maori occupation,
but increasingly they include those dating from early European settlement.
This information provides general details about the requirements for
protecting archaeological sites in the district plan - isthmus section. For
information about scheduled archaeological features
for the Hauraki Gulf islands or the central area, check Appendix
B - Hauraki Gulf islands section,
Appendix 3a - Central area section (this can be viewed at City Planning,
Level 11, Civic service centre) or contact
us.
The schedule of archaeological features in the Auckland isthmus are
identified in the planning maps and Appendix
3a of the District plan - isthmus section.
Recognising an archaeological site
Many archaeological sites are buried and there is little surface evidence of
what lies below. Other sites such as pa sites often show highly visible and
distinctive features such as terraces, storage pits and ditches.
Archaeological sites vary greatly in size and extent, from mere traces of
occupation and use, to the large and imposing settlement sites, such as One Tree
Hill (Maungakiekie) and environs. This site is thought to have been occupied by
1200-1500 people.
Where are they found?
Archaeological sites are spread throughout the Auckland isthmus. Coastal
headlands, volcanic cones and craters are visually prominent. Many of them were
favoured Maori settlement sites in pre-European times as they were close to food
sources.
Many such sites are scheduled for protection in the
district plan and are
also public reserves owned and maintained by Auckland City. Other scheduled sites
are in private ownership.
Why protect them?
Archaeological sites provide:
- a link between past and present, providing physical evidence of indigenous
and early European culture
- an historical link through association with events and notable people
- a source of visual amenity: many sites contribute significantly to the
character of the isthmus, acting as important landmarks which give
identity to the urban area.
Any of these values might be inadvertently damaged or
destroyed by excavation, siteworks, or construction, if they were not protected.
Archaeological sites, such as the pa sites on the volcanic
cones, are often located on sites of geological
significance.
Protected sites
The district plan lists significant archaeological for
protection in Appendix 3a.
As sites of regional and
national importance they are protected from any use or development which would
damage the site. Archaeological sites are particularly sensitive to damage from
activity that modifies the existing ground level or subsoil in any way.
In addition to district plan protection, all archaeological sites (whether
their existence is known or not) are protected separately by the New
Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT), and any modification to the sites
requires separate approval from the NZHPT in addition to that required from
Auckland City.
Controls that apply
You may not excavate or change the existing ground level of any scheduled
archaeological or geological site without consent from the council.
Any modification of archaeological and/or geological sites including tree
planting, the removal of soil, destruction, covering over or burial, the
addition of structures, pipes or cables is considered as a discretionary
activity which requires a resource
consent.
An application of this type is assessed against district plan criteria, which
include an assessment for the necessity for the works and any alternative
methods and locations available to the resource consent applicant.
Conditions relating to archaeological excavations and site
recording may be placed on any consent granted, and are covered in detail in Part 5C of the
district plan.
Exceptions to controls
Routine maintenance and repair of existing lawns, gardens, structures and
signage may be undertaken for archaeological sites without an application to
Auckland City or to the New Zealand
Historic Places Trust.
Any other work of a minor nature may also qualify provided the work is
assessed separately by both Auckland City and other heritage authorities as
appropriate, and is confirmed to be of minor and non-damaging nature.
You need to contact us during the preliminary planning stages of
any work so that an assessment can be made by our heritage division and
advice given.
