Archaeological Sites

Ten archaeological sites are identified within the 1997 Historic Places Register for the Matamata–Piako District. The Historic Places Register 1994 records 315 archaeological sites however, this register maybe unreliable but is used as a tool for checking the location of sites.

Waahi Tapu

Waahi Tapu is an area or site which has special significance to Maori. The District Plan lists and protects 77 Waahi Tapu sites including Pa Sites, Urupa (burial site), and Marae’s. These sites have been identified in consultation with local iwi and listed in the plan to protect them from inappropriate use and development. A resource consent must be obtained from Council before any work can be undertaken that may affect a listed site.

No resource consents issued in the 1996/97 or 1997/98 years have affected any culturally significant sites.

Protection and Maintenance of Heritage Features

The protection and continued maintenance of heritage features, particularly buildings is expensive and can be a financial burden on the owner.

Council has identified the need to provide funding and financial incentives to ensure the maintenance and protection of the districts special heritage features. This financial assistance has meant that many of the district’s heritage features continue to be maintained for the enjoyment of the community.

The Council spent over $21,000 during the 98/99 financial year on buidings and a further $20,000 over the same period for the maintenance of protected trees. The Council also provides financial incentives to owners of historic buildings such as the wavering of resource consent fees and rates relief. The Council intends to continue providing funds and incentives for the protection of historic features and protected trees.

In addition to the tree protection undertaken by Council, in recent years two million dollars has been spent on the restoration and redevelopment of the Te Aroha Domain. The Domain is registered as a Historic Place by the Historic Places Trust.

Council maintains a register to protect significant buildings, sites, places and trees and undertakes studies into special character areas which contain a large number of significant heritage features. In addition, Council provides financial assistance and incentives for the protection and maintenance of heritage features.

What you can do to help

• Find out whether any tree or structure on your property is on the District Plan Register
• Contact the Council before you alter, disturb or demolish a listed heirtage building, site or tree
• Have an archaeological assessment done before undertaking any major development on a site