Leading by example

We strive for excellence in all that we do: analysis, archiving, communicating, public and professional outreach and research. We’re innovative in our approaches, active in our community and we promote, share and discuss our mahi.

Protecting our archaeological heritage

We’re passionate about Aotearoa’s archaeological heritage: the sites, the artefacts, the data, the stories. We know that it’s an irreplaceable taonga and that it’s critical for understanding our past, present and future, and we champion its retention and protection.

Expanding our knowledge

We’re strongly positioned to advance Aotearoa’s understanding of our archaeological past, and we have a responsibility to do so and to share this work. We’ll expand and grow as an organisation by expanding our own knowledge, by looking outwards, by engaging with others and by building strong relationships.

Contributing to the cultural narrative

We undertake research and projects that dive deep into issues important in contemporary society. We don’t shy away from exploring unpleasant truths, and we share the results broadly. We demonstrate how archaeology is relevant for understanding the modern world.

Safeguarding a collection of international significance

We recognise that the archaeological archive we hold is internationally significant, and that the insights it has the potential to yield are unparalleled. It is a taonga that must be preserved, conserved and promoted for generations to come.

A Te Tiriti o Waitangi-based approach

We honour the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We seek to partner with iwi Māori, and to incorporate and promote their perspectives on the archaeology and history of Aotearoa. We recognise that they have sovereignty over all data and material from sites of interest to them.

A sustainable archaeological practice

We recognise that archaeology often destroys the very thing it seeks to understand. By preserving archaeological data and making it accessible, we’re mitigating this and contributing to the sustainability of the discipline.