Archaeology Week is back for its tenth year in 2026!
This annual week is dedicated to promoting Aotearoa’s unique archaeological heritage and is coordinated by the New Zealand Archaeological Association (NZAA). Events are organised by groups and individuals across the country.
Events in 2026 are taking place from 2nd-10th May.
Heritage Taranaki is coordinating events in the Taranaki and Whanganui regions this year, in collaboration with other organisations and individuals.
Taranaki Events:
Caring for Archaeological Collections
Date: Wednesday 6 May 2026
Time: 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Location: Ngāmotu New Plymouth, address will be shared to guests via email following registration.
Brief Description: 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.
Free event.
Registration required via Google form:
https://forms.gle/wRiCfd8U7MPojqdb8
Contact Details of Organiser:
sam@heritagepreservation.co.nz
The Archaeology of Pukekura Park & Brooklands – A Walking Tour
Date: Saturday 9 May 2026
Time: 2:00PM
Approx Duration: 1-1.5hrs
Location: Pukekura Park, Ngāmotu New Plymouth. Meet in front of the Bellringer Pavilion, Main Fillis Street Entrance
Brief Description: Officially opened in May 1876, Pukekura Park celebrates 150 years as a public park this year. Join archaeologist and Heritage Taranaki chairperson Hamish Crimp for a walking tour of Pukekura Park & neighbouring Brooklands. Learn about the many archaeological features that contribute to the rich history of this special landscape in the heart of Ngāmotu New Plymouth. Highlights include sites associated with the 1860s Taranaki Wars, the 1840s Brooklands homestead, and many others.
Free, koha appreciated
No registration required – just turn up on the day!
Walk includes some hills, steps and uneven surfaces – please wear appropriate footwear.
Puke Ariki – Archaeology Week Book Display
The team at Puke Ariki Library in Ngāmotu New Plymouth has put together a display of archaeology and history related books for Archaeology Week 2026.
If you’re interested in learning more about archaeology then be sure to check out this display on Level 1 of Puke Ariki Library!
For further archaeology resources at Puke Ariki, head up to Te Pua Wānanga o Taranaki – Taranaki Research Centre on Level 2.
Whanganui Events:
The Archaeology of Central Whanganui – A Walking Tour
Date: Saturday 2 May 2026
Time: 2:00PM
Approx duration: 1-1.5 hrs
Location: Meet at the top of the Veteran Steps, Pukenamu Queens Park, Central Whanganui
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.
Free, koha appreciated
No registration required – just turn up on the day!
Walk may include sloping ground, steps and uneven surfaces – please wear appropriate footwear.
“Hidden in Plain Sight”: Conserving an 1850s tōtara slab whare in Okains Bay
Date: Thursday 7 May
Time: 6:30PM
Location: Davis Lecture Theatre, Whanganui Regional Museum
Brief Description: Dating to the early 1850s, a humble single-roomed slab whare supported whaler-sawyer John Joseph Fluerty/Flutey, his wife Merehana Puaha (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe, Waitaha), and their large whānau in Banks Peninsula’s Okains Bay.
Scott Flutey, a Whanganui based historian and descendant of John and Merehana, will speak about the significance of the whare and recent work to begin its conservation and restoration.
Fee: $5 at the door
No registration required – just turn up on the day!
Support the restoration of the whare: Help conserve an 1850s tōtara slab whare – rekindling connections with people, whakapapa and place – Givealittle
Contact Details of Organiser:
Scott Flutey
022 169 4498
For all events across the motu see NZAA’s website: https://nzarchaeology.org/news-events/national-archaeology-week-2026-2
