NZAA Annual Conference 2025
2025-07-15 - 2025-07-18 | Club Mount Maunganui, 45-47 Kawaka Street, Mount Maunganui, 3116, New Zealand
Tai timu, tai pari: the ebb and flow between people and place, engaging and shaping of environments through time.

The 2025 New Zealand Archaeological Conference will be held in Mount Maunganui from Tuesday 15th July – Friday 18th July.

Registration
Registration has now closed.
For late registration enquiries please email archaeologistln@heritage.org.nz
Venue
Club Mount Maunganui
45-47 Kawaka Street
Mount Maunganui 3116
Conference Programme
Full Conference Programme
Tuesday 15 July 8:30am – 4:15pm

Mihi Whakatau, welcome, keynote speaker and paper sessions
Welcome Event: Drinks at Astrolab Brew Bar | 82 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui | 5:30pm | Sponsored by CFG Heritage.

Wednesday 16 July 8:30am – 4:45pm

Paper sessions and AGM
Evening Event: “Tatai Arorangi – Māori Navigation by Astronomy”| Mount Maunganui College Marae | 7:30-8:30pm.

Thursday 17 July 8:30am – 4:00pm

Paper sessions
Conference Dinner: Latitude 37 | 181 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui | 7:00pm

Friday 18 July 9:00am – 4:00pm

Conference Field Trip: The field trip will visit the Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park and the Mauao Historic Reserve. You will need good walking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness for the Pāpāmoa Hills as it is a steep walk, but the archaeology and the views are worth it! If you have concerns about the walk, please contact Rachel Darmody BEFORE booking the fieldtrip (archaeologistln@heritage.org.nz).
A picnic lunch will be provided
Bus transport will run from the conference centre, leaving 9:00am and returning at 4:00pm.

The New Zealand Archaeological Association gratefully acknowledges the support of the following sponsors:

Exhibition: Uncovering Katherine Mansfield's House
2026-03-04 - 2026-03-24 | Katherine Mansfield House & Garden, 25 Tinakori Rd, Thorndon, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
One upon a time… A little girl lived in this house and she grew up to be a famous author named Katherine Mansfield.
About 90 years after her family moved out of the house, a society was formed to buy this house and restore it to celebrate her. But how did they know what to put in the house? Archaeology!
An exhibition suitable for all ages with activities for children.
Curated by Kelly Gwynne.
Entry Included with admission fee, children under 18 free.

Young Archaeologist Workshop
2026-05-02 10:00 - 12:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Te Waimate Mission, 344 Te Ahu Ahu Road, Waimate North, Northland, 0472, New Zealand
Bring your keen, young explorer for a hands-on archaeology workshop designed for kids aged 7 and up*. This year it’s all about ‘finds’. As well as making our own ancient artefacts, we’ll excavate our own mini digs, sorting all our finds into categories and examining their significance, just like a real archaeologist. Who knows what will turn up?!
This workshop is limited to ten children only, so be sure to reserve your spot soon. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore archaeology in a fun and educational setting.
What’s Included

All equipment and a spot of morning tea

More Information

Under 14s need to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
The workshop will be held undercover outdoors.
Attendees should wear clothes they don’t mind getting a bit mucky, and dress for the weather.
In the event of bad weather on May 2, the workshop will be held on May 9.
After the Workshop explore Te Waimate Mission House. We’ll have archaeology quizzes, activities and resources available to celebrate NZ Archaeology Week. Entry is free to Under 18s with a responsible adult. Adults entry is $10.
Feel free to bring a picnic, play some games and enjoy the gardens. Ask the Visitor Hosts for some sheep food so you can feed our Heritage breed sheep.

Ages: 7+
Cost: $12
Booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/young-archaeologists-workshop-tickets-1986961369945

Artefact Adventures
2026-05-02 11:00 UTC | Totara Estate, 565 Alma-Maheno Road, Oamaru, 0492, New Zealand
Piece together the past with an archaeological treasure hunt. Follow the clues to find hidden artefacts, find and identify Makers Marks and document your discovery.
Suitable for children 5 – 15 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Food and beverages for purchase.
Free event.
Contact: Jacqui Allison totaramanager@heritage.org.nz

Walk Through Time Archaeology Tour
2026-05-02 13:00 - 15:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Te Waimate Mission, 344 Te Ahu Ahu Road, Waimate North, Northland, 0472, New Zealand
Join us on a fascinating tour of the remains of Aotearoa New Zealand’s fourth Anglican mission station and early theological college, still visible on the surface. Examine the surrounding landscape to gain a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural heritage and early Māori-Pākehā encounters. Our knowledgeable host will share stories about the site’s past, bringing history to life as we wander through this significant historical location.

The tour will be followed by Afternoon Tea and a discussion. Afterwards, your ticket includes entry to the Te Waimate Mission House – the second oldest standing building in Aotearoa – where you can explore the preserved interiors and imagine what life was like in the 1800’s.
Be sure to secure your spot for this insightful educational experience.

What’s Included
Afternoon Tea and entry to Te Waimate Mission House

More Information

The tour will include areas of uneven ground and cover approximately 1 kilometre of track. We will provide rest stops for those who need them.
Attendees should dress for the weather and wear comfortable, sturdy footwear.
Not recommended for children under 12 years*
In the event of bad weather on May 2, the tour will be held on May 9

Ages: All Ages 12+
Cost: Adults – $28
HNZPT Members and 12-18 year olds – $18
Booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/walk-through-time-archaeology-tour-tickets-1987028493714

*If you do have a child who is very keen to attend but under 12 years of age, please get in touch with us.

Te Waimate Mission Tour
2026-05-02 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-09 13:00 - 16:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | 344 Te Ahu Ahu Road, 344 Te Ahu Ahu Road, Waimate North, New Zealand
Walk through Time Archaeology Tour with visitor host Sandy Johnson.
With archaeology displays, quizzes and afternoon tea. Small groups of 15-20 per tour.
Cost: $28 adults; $18 members and children 12-18.
Saturday 2 May and Saturday 9 May 1pm-4pm
For urther information: Contact Jo Danilo- Garbacki at: jdanilo-garbacki@heritage.org.nz

Walking Tour - Whanganui
2026-05-02 14:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
Brief Description: Central Whanganui has a rich history of occupation and use by both Māori, and European settlers, before 1900. Join archaeologist and heritage consultant Hamish Crimp, and historian and Whanganui District Council heritage planner Scott Flutey, for an archaeological walking tour of this historic landscape. Explore significant sites including Rutland and York Stockades, the river frontage and reclamation, the locations of early European businesses, and many others.
Approx duration: 1-1.5 hrs
Location: Meet at the top of the Veteran Steps, Pukenamu Queens Park, Central Whanganui
Free, koha appreciated
No registration required – just turn up on the day!
Walk may include sloping ground, steps and uneven surfaces – please wear appropriate footwea

"Finders aren't Keepers"
2026-05-03 11:00 - 14:00 UTC | Fyffe House, 62 Avoca St, Kaikoura, New Zealand
“Finders aren’t keepers” Discover the archaeology of our area and the underlying principles of what you do if you find something and why.
Suitable for all ages.
Free event.
No booking required
Contact : Ann McCaw at amccaw@heritage.org.nz

Discoveries at Highwic
2026-05-03 14:00 UTC | Highwic House, 40 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
Join archaeologist Caroline Phillips to view artefacts and learn about what has been found and what has not been found. This talk will be followed by a walk around Highwic.
Cost: Adults $10, children and HNZPT members free.
Booking required: Numbers limited. Bookings essential – https://Highwicarchaeologytalk.eventbrite.co.nz

“All seems so lovely because all is home” – The Archaeology of Home with Mary O’Keeffe.
2026-05-03 14:00 - 15:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Katherine Mansfield House & Garden, 25 Tinakori Rd, Thorndon, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
“All seems so lovely because all is home” wrote Katherine Mansfield to Ida Baker, April 1918.
“Home” is both a physical place, and a concept of safety, comfort, and belonging.
In her work as an archaeologist Mary O’Keeffe has explored the idea of “home”: what places and areas in New Zealand have different people called home over the centuries of occupation, and how and why has this changed.
In this illustrated talk, Mary will show the stories and small details revealed by archaeology that shape our ideas of what “home” is.
Bookings necessary (free, but spaces are limited)
Go to https://www.katherinemansfield.com/event/all-seems-so-lovely-because-all-is-home-the-archaeology-of-home

Discover Hidden Treasures - Family Craft Workshop
2026-05-03 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | Polish Heritage Trust Museum, 125 Elliot Street, Auckland, Auckland, 2014, New Zealand
Discover an Iron Age lake fort, Vikings and the hidden jewels of an emperor in Poland as part of NZ Archaeology Week 2026.
Poland has a long and rich history of fossils and artefacts buried in its rich multi-cultural heritage. Learn how some fascinating discoveries were made by ordinary people. See a re-created open air working museum in the slideshow presentation. Then construct your own craft work treasures to take home.
Ages: 5-adult (All children are to be accompanied by an adult please)
Cost: $10 per person, including adults. Materials provided. Cash or internet banking (sorry no Eftpos or credit card)
Free off-street parking, seating, tables, restrooms and wheelchair access available.
Bookings preferred. Groups can book their own time and date to suit. Please contact Polish Museum staff to arrange.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Polish-Heritage-Trust-Museum-in-Howick-New-Zealand/100057119245143/

"Mapping Wellington: Mr Ward and the Other Chaps"
2026-05-04 17:30 UTC | Antrim House, 63 Boulcott Street, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
Historian Elizabeth Cox will talk about the wonderful plan of Wellington created by surveyor Thomas Ward in the late 19th century. “Ward documented hotels, theatres, oyster saloons, brothels, shops, stables, Parliament, prisons, the ‘lunatic asylum’, the hospital, and remnants of Māori kāinga.”
Archaeologist Mary O’Keeffe will also talk about other 19th century survey plans and how they can add context for archaeologists.
Free event.

Le Roys Bush - Ranger Guided Walk
2026-05-05 10:00 - 12:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Le Roys Bush, 17 Council terrace, Northcote POint, Auckand, 0627
Meet at the Little Shoal Bay entrance to the reserve, off Council Terrace, Northcote.
Join our community parks team for a free guided walk through the beautiful Le Roys Bush. Discover the fascinating native flora and fauna that call this reserve home, and gain insight into the Māori and European history connected to this special place.
Please note: A good level of fitness and mobility is required. Some sections include steps.
Get Tickets – https://events.humanitix.com/le-roys-bush-ranger-guided-walk

Short and Sharp Archaeology!
2026-05-05 17:00 UTC | Antrim House, 63 Boulcott Street, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
Five short (10 minutes) talks by Wellington archaeologists on topics as varied as

Wellington’s gold rush.
Queer archaeology, and what archaeology can tell us about gender.
From tiny house to Edwardian cottage.
Archaeology and the environment.

Free event.

Te Whare Taonga O Raahui Pookeka Huntly Museum
2026-05-06 10:00 - 2026-05-09 16:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Huntly Museum Te Whare Taonga O Raahui Pookeka, 148 Main Street, Huntly, New Zealand
As part of Archaeology Week, we are open:
Wed 6th May – Sat 9th May 10 am – 4pm with fossils on display and sand tables for children to explore being an archaeologist.
Walk our mine tunnel and find the fossils embedded there!
Also a special Virtual Reality Experience that takes you down under the ground in Raahui Pookeka Huntly.
normal admission charges apply $2.50 per child 5 years -15 years, adults $5.

'Hidden Treasure and Resistance' Adult Presentation
2026-05-06 10:30 - 11:30 UTC | Polish Heritage Trust Museum, 125 Elliot Street, Auckland, Auckland, 2014, New Zealand
Discover Polish archaeologists’ work in Poland and around the world, from the Iron Age Biskupin Fort, Katyn Forest and Warsaw to Egypt and South America. Come and unearth links between World War 2, Resistance and Polish New Zealanders. Adults only, contains some sensitive content.
Free off-street parking, seating, tables, restrooms and wheelchair access available.
Cost: Museum entry by donation
Booking required: For groups, please book ahead – small fee applies.
Groups can book their own time and date to suit. Please contact Polish Museum staff to arrange.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Polish-Heritage-Trust-Museum-in-Howick-New-Zealand/100057119245143/

Caring for Archaeological Collections
2026-05-06 19:00 - 21:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Heritage Preservation
Join Heritage Preservation this Archaeology Week, in partnership with the New Zealand Archaeological Association, for an engaging introduction to how archaeological collections are cared for in Aotearoa.
We’re opening our studio for a special presentation and guided tour focused on caring for archaeological collections. Designed for the general public – with a particular appeal to those interested in history and archaeology – this session offers insight into both the theory and practice of conservation.
The presentation will explore:
– Key principles of conservation, including minimal intervention and long-term preservation strategies
– The role of environment, handling, and storage in protecting collections
– Simple, practical methods for caring for artefacts and archaeological materials
– How conservation decisions are guided by professional ethics and cultural responsibility
Following the presentation, guests are invited on a guided studio tour, where you’ll gain insight into conservation in practice. This includes viewing selected materials and teaching collections that we are able to share, while respecting the cultural and community considerations that guide access to certain taonga.
Location: Ngāmotu New Plymouth, address will be shared to guests via email following registration
Free event.
Booking/registration via google form: https://forms.gle/wRiCfd8U7MPojqdb8
Weblinks:
https://heritagepreservation.co.nz/
Archaeology Week 2026

https://www.facebook.com/heritagetaranaki

A household mission and a mission of houses: comparative historical archaeology in Oceania
2026-05-07 17:00 - 18:30 (Pacific/Auckland) | Tūhura Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
Speaker:
James L. Flexner
Venue:
Hutton Lecture Theatre, Tuhara Otago Museum
Time:
5pm for drinks and nibbles (cash bar)
Talk starts at 5.30pm
Fees:
Free to attend – online option available
Topic
Ian Smith, along with his partner Angela Middleton, made a remarkable contribution to the historical archaeology of Polynesian missions, among many other accomplishments. Through their collaborative work at Te Puna–Angela’s doctoral research–and Hohi, they established key themes, including the shifting roles of missionaries, not only as proselytisers, but also as traders and educators. Arguably the most significant finding of this research was contextualising historical Christian mission sites within the Māori landscapes of the Bay of Islands. Building on this foundational research, I present two major projects in the historical archaeology of Christianity in independent and autonomous Oceania. The first, focusing on the Presbyterian mission to the southern islands of Vanuatu, demonstrates a missionary project focused on modelling European domestic life for indigenous converts, the “household mission” model. The second, the French Catholic mission in the Mangareva Islands, reveals the appropriation of the European household by Polynesian converts, who constructed entire villages of stone cottages. Each case study demonstrates the incorporation of Christianity into Oceanic worlds during a period of ecological, demographic, and material upheaval between the 1830s and the 1900s.
Speaker Biography
James Flexner is Associate Professor of Historical Archaeology and Heritage at the University of Sydney. He received his PhD in 2010 from the University of California, Berkeley for a study of the Hawaiian leprosarium in Moloka‘i. He has since focused on historical archaeology in Vanuatu, French Polynesia, and the east coast of Australia, most recently as an Australian Research Council Future Fellow (2022-2026). James was inspired to study Pacific archaeology as a semester abroad student at the University of Otago in 2003, where he had Ian Smith as a lecturer.

What is Maritime Archaeology? - CANCELLED
2026-05-08 10:00 - 2026-05-09 14:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Buffalo Beach, Whitianga, New Zealand

The Archaeology of Turnbull House
2026-05-08 17:00 UTC | Antrim House, 63 Boulcott Street, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
Renowned Wellington archaeologist Victoria Grouden will give an illustrated talk about the archaeological investigations she’s undertaken at Turnbull House, as part of its strengthening project.
Free event.

Stone Wall Workshop with HNZPT Area Manager Bill Edwards at Edmonds Ruins
2026-05-09 09:00 - 2026-05-10 16:00 UTC | Edmonds Ruins, 72 Edmonds Road, Kerikeri, 0293, New Zealand
A Stone wall workshop with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Area Manager Bill Edwards at Edmonds Ruins, Kerikeri.
Lessons given in stonewalling, how to lay a stone wall that looks good and will be structurally sound. Need a good level of fitness, work boots and gloves.
Cost: $250 for two days instruction, lunch and drinks provided
Contact Bill Edwards to book on: bedwards@heritage.org.nz or phone 09 407 0471

Christchurch Ōtautahi Festival of Archaeology
2026-05-09 11:00 - 14:00 UTC | Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House, 83 Clyde Road, Christchurch, 8041, New Zealand
An outside event for families to celebrate Archaeology Week, Have a go at excavation, sorting and writing up. Examine real artefacts from archaeologists and the Canterbury Museum.
There will be archaeology theme facepainting for children and storytime.
Complete your archaeologist booklet and you will have a chance to create your own Festival of Archaeology badge with the Canterbury Museum.
Afternoon tea available at Kate Sheppard House.
Koha welcome.

Walking Tour of Ngati Toa Domain
2026-05-09 11:00 - 2026-05-10 13:09 UTC | Ngati Toa Domain, Paremata, Porirua, 5026, New Zealand
Led by local archaeologist and heritage consultant Patrick Harsveldt.
The Ngāti Toa Domain includes the sites of Paremata Pā, Thom’s Whaling Station (est. 1835), and the Paremata Barracks (constructed 1847).
Free event.
Meet in front of the Ngāti Toa Sea Scout Hall at Ngāti Toa Domain.
(Rain day Sunday 10 May at the same time)
Ph 027 498 3078

NZAA Annual Conference 2026
2026-06-29 - 2026-07-02 | Takahanga Marae, Takahanga Terrace, Kaikōura, New Zealand
Image credit: Haylee Tehuia-Claxton The 2026 New Zealand Archaeological Association Conference will be held at Takahanga Marae, Kaikōura from Monday 29 June – Thursday 2 July.
The theme for the conference is “Mahi Tahi – Working Better Together”
Venue
Takahanga Marae, Takahanga Terrace, Kaikōura.
Takahanga Marae is the standing place of our hosts, Ngāti Kurī , and though the marae recently celebrated its 30 year anniversary, Takahanga Pā was built centuries ago by Ngāti Māmoe. The marae, buildings, and grounds are wāhi tapu. The documentary “The bones of our past” records the process of the construction of the marae, and can be watched here.
Registration
Conference registration is now open. Registration closes 21 June 2026. Register Here
Accomodation
Staying at the Marae
Some conference attendees may choose to stay overnight at the marae during the conference. The wharemoe will be available for shared-space sleeping of up to 60 individuals. Staying overnight at the marae is $17 per night per person, or $65 for the conference duration. Students/unwaged may stay free of charge You may select this option if you purchase a Student/Unwaged registration ticket. Priority will be given to students if demand is high.
Mattresses are available, but guests will have to supply their own sleeping bag/duvet, pillows, towels, toiletries, slippers, bed sheets and pillowcases.
Please see Takahanga Marae’s info sheet for further information about staying overnight at the marae, or please contact Emily Howitt (Emily.Howitt@nzarchaeology.org) if you need more information.

Call for Paper Submissions
We invite proposals for paper presentations. We welcome papers on the conference theme, as well as general papers. Depending on the number of accepted papers, presentations will be between 15 and 20 minutes long. Note that there will be no concurrent sessions, so please get in early if you wish to secure a spot in the programme. If you would like to propose a special session, please contact Paper Coordinators Tristan Wadsworth (papers@nzarchaeology.org) before 5.00pm Friday 15 May. Session chairs will be responsible for organising the submission of paper proposals in their sessions. For paper proposals please email papers@nzarchaeology.org with the following information:

Contact details for the corresponding author (the person who will receive all communication – regarding the presentation).
Name and affiliation of all authors.
Paper title – should be no more than 20 words.
Abstract – no more than 250 words (no images).

Posters must be A1 or A2 size. Please email the author names, poster title and an 80 – 100 words.
All presenters must register for the conference to be included in the programme. Presenter registration including payment of the registration fee must be completed no later than 21 June 2026.
Programme
Monday 29 June:

Registration opens 8:00am
Pōwhiri at Takahanga Marae
Paper sessions
Evening welcome event at Groper Garage, Kaikōura

Tuesday 30 June:

Paper sessions
Poster session
Evening public talk at the Mayfair Theatre, Kaikoura

Wednesday 1 July:

· Field trip – Guided bus trip to several sites along the Kaikoura Coast, including a pā on the Kaikōura peninsula, the South Bay whaling station, Hinerongo Memorial, Paparoa Point, Ohau, and Fyffe House. Though there will be several stops, travel time is expected to total approximately 1 hr 45 mins on the bus.

Thursday 2 July:

Paper sessions
NZAA AGM
Evening gala dinner at Donegal House, Kaikōra

Full Conference Programme
Public Archaeology Award 2026: Call for Nominations
This year NZAA will be awarding the Public Archaeology Award at the annual conference. The award is open to members of NZAA and the wider community, including individuals, groups and organisations (for example, territorial authorities and iwi).
The following factors are considered:

contribution to the identification, protection and preservation of archaeological sites,
contribution to the enhancement of public awareness and enjoyment of, and education about, archaeological sites or archaeology in general,
contribution to the strengthening of the relationship between the archaeological community and Māori, and
any other relevant information.

Nominations should be sent to the NZAA secretary (secretary@nzarchaeology.org) by 5.00pm 22 May 2026. The award recipient will be announced at the conference gala dinner on Thursday 2 July.
Key Dates

Call for papers and posters: 16 March 2026
Conference registration opens online: 27 April 2026
Early bird registration closes: 17 May 2026
Closing date for papers and poster submissions: 17 May 2026
Confirmation of programme: end of May 2026
Online registration closes: 21 June 2026
