Historic heritage includes those natural or human made features of the landscape which combine to give people a sense of place, belonging and innate worth in relation to the passing of time. 

To Maori, whose history in Kaikoura reaches back for many hundreds of years, these features may be whakapapa (geneological links to ancestral personalities who are as real today as ever) or physical archaeological features.  To move, degrade or destroy such a feature is the same as offering insult to the mana (dignity) of the ancestor concerned.  Such features are thus said to have a wairua (spiritual quality) which cannot be negotiated.

The Kaikoura District has a great deal of Maori and European history, of special significance to both Maori and residents of Kaikoura.  Many places, archaeological sites, buildings, features and trees within the District have historical, cultural, spiritual, scientific or other special significance to both groups as well as to visitors.  Sites of historical and cultural value are also becoming increasingly important as tourism in the District grows, bringing with it the advantage of commercial support for enhancement of the historical environment. 

Most people wish to retain the heritage of the past, not only for themselves but also for those generations yet to come.  Conservation of historic resources is one of the duties of stewardship which the Council and Maori accept as being essential in the District.

Archaeological studies have revealed a little of the Maori and early European settlement patterns and culture.  However, much more remains to be researched and recorded.

If you are developing, building, excavating or subdividing, please contact Council planning staff in the first instance to clarify if your site contains an archaeological site or could be a ‘hot spot’.  Hot spot can be defined as an area containing a high likelihood of unearthing archaeological remains.  You could be subject to substantial monetary fines if you proceed without this authority if needed.

Click here for the Heritage and tree protection section of the district plan. (Section 15 of the District Plan)

Click here for a copy of the archaeological site management protocol and the accidental discovery protocol (appendix E of the District Plan)

Click here for a link to the Historic Places Trust – you may also need an ‘Archaeological Authority’ from the Trust before you go ahead with your work. Likely places around the district are: South Bay, The Peninsula, Avoca St, Esplanade, Torquay Street, the coastline, coastal ridges and terraces and settlement areas.