Operative Waikato Regional Policy Statement (October 2000)

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3  Significant Resource Management Issues, Objectives, Policies and Methods

3.15  Heritage

3.15.1 Overview

Heritage is a complex resource that people perceive and value from many different perspectives. The Waikato Region’s heritage involves aspects of the natural, physical and cultural environment, inherited from the past, which define the present and which will be handed on to future generations. The Region has a unique and distinctive physical setting and natural environment that has been extensively modified by human activities. Waikato's heritage is a dynamic resource which changes spatially over time, as natural systems evolve and humans modify the environment.

The Region’s heritage comprises:

1. Natural heritage - includes indigenous flora and fauna, terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems and habitats, landscapes, landforms, geological and geomorphic features, soils, and the natural character of the coastline.
   
2. Cultural heritage - includes sites, places, place names, areas, waahi tapu, taonga, structures, objects, artefacts, natural features of cultural and historical significance, historical associations, people and institutions.

There are many relationships, overlaps, and linkages between these. Therefore the natural and cultural resources of the Region are inextricably linked.

The Waikato Region is endowed with a rich and diverse variety of natural landforms, geological and geomorphic features and soils. In combination, these features document the unique geological history of the Region, the development of its landforms, and the evolution of its biota. Natural heritage is therefore an aspect of many of the resources addressed in Part 3 (i.e. coast, land, water, flora and fauna).

In identifying cultural heritage resources local authorities take guidance from the NZ Historic Places Trust (NZHPT), which has a statutory obligation under s22 of the Historic Places Act 1993, to establish and maintain a register of historic places, historic areas, waahi tapu and waahi tapu areas. Regardless of whether all archaeological sites are registered, they are afforded protection under s10 of the Historic Places Act 1993 and an authority to modify is required from the NZHPT.

A number of agencies have responsibilities for the Region’s heritage. These include Environment Waikato, the NZHPT, territorial authorities, tangata whenua, the Department of Conservation, historical societies, the NZ Archaeological Association, and the Queen Elizabeth II Trust. Co-operation among these agencies and consultation with other interested parties and the general public is essential for the protection of the Region's heritage. A regionally consistent and integrated approach to the protection and preservation of Region’s heritage is essential to avoid duplication and inefficient management.

Tangata whenua have special concerns over the widespread loss of ancestral taonga e.g. waahi tapu and other areas of cultural significance. Tangata whenua consider that the effects of subdivision, use, development and interference with their heritage sites in the Region have been significant. Adverse effects identified by tangata whenua include the inability to manage their taonga according to tribal customs and preferences, the widespread loss of cultural and natural heritage, and the reduction of access to remaining heritage. Through their role as kaitiaki, tangata whenua seek greater involvement in the management of natural and cultural heritage.

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