Historic Heritage
Historic heritage is a factor under section 17(2)(d) of the Act. This factor applies where an investment includes sites of historical heritage. Adequate mechanisms must exist to protect or enhance any historic heritage sites, or comply with any protections that exist already.
“Historic heritage” is defined in section 6(1) of the Act. Under the Historic Places Act 1993, historic heritage incorporates “natural and physical resources that contribute to an understanding and appreciation of New Zealand's history and cultures deriving from any of the following qualities: archaeological, architectural, cultural, historic, scientific, technological” and includes:
- historic sites, structures, places and areas
- archaeological sites
- sites significant to Māori, including wāhi tapu, and
- surroundings associated with the natural and physical resources.
Applicants can demonstrate their intention to protect or enhance historic heritage sites present on the property by agreeing to mechanisms including:
- registration of a historic heritage sites area under the Historic Places Act 1993 by providing a copy of a letter in support of any publicly notified registration proposal
- conserving and maintaining sites known to have historic significance by including a conservation or management plan to be approved by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust
- protecting sites using legislation such as the Queen Elizabeth the Second National Trust Act 1977, and the Historic Places Act, and
- permitting appropriate access to wāhi tapu and other heritage sites located on the property.
The usual policy relating to properties containing registered wāhi tapu sites is to require the applicant to provide a statement to the effect that the applicant will comply with the requirements of the Historic Places Act 1993, that traditional access arrangements for local iwi will be permitted to continue and to provide evidence that local iwi have been consulted about the investment.
Report
The OIO requires a report detailing:
- a description of the historic heritage within the land
- the extent to which the proposed mechanisms will protect or enhance that historic heritage
- a conservation plan detailing the measures to be undertaken
- the capital expenditure (if any) required
- any uncertainties or contingencies relating to the achievement of the benefits claimed under this factor, and
- the timeframe within which the measures are to be put in place.
Further Information
For more information see the Historic Places Trust's Sustainable Management of Historic Heritage Guidelines: Guide No.8 Overseas Investment Act 2005 (pdf 420KB).
