DOC’s role in historic heritage
The government regards the management of the historical heritage within its care as an important part of its responsibilities.
DOC has a role to:
- respect and acknowledge the importance of the historic heritage in its care;
- foster an appreciation of and pride in the nation’s heritage;
- protect and, where appropriate, use this heritage for the benefit of all New Zealanders;
- contribute to the conservation of a full range of places of historical heritage value;
- ensure that places of significance to Māori in its care are appropriately managed and conserved; and
- contribute to cultural tourism and economic development
Aerial view of Opito Point Pa
What does DOC look after?
DOC manages the single largest heritage portfolio in New Zealand. This includes:
- The protection of over 12,000 archaeological and historic sites
- The active conservation of approximately 600 historic places
- The promotion of 20 historic places as New Zealand’s historic Icons
DOC’s legal mandate
Mansion House and historic trees on
Kawau Island
DOC manages historic heritage under the following legislation:
- Conservation Act
- Historic Places Act
- National Parks Act
- Protected Objects Act
- Reserves Act
- Resource Management Act
Treaty of Waitangi
Effective partnerships with tangata whenua can achieve enhanced conservation of natural resources and historical and cultural heritage. DOC consults with tangata whenua on the management of specific places.
DOC rangers doing conservation work on
Stella Hut
Heritage conservation best practice
DOC is a corporate member of the New Zealand Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, better known as ICOMOS.
ICOMOS exists to encourage best practice in the protection and management of historic heritage. A New Zealand Charter has been developed to guide the quality of conservation work and DOC follows this charter when managing historic places in its care.
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