Valuing our place : a critical exploration of frameworks for assessing the significance of New Zealand's historic heritage : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
Loading...
Date
2006
DOI
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Massey University
Rights
The Author
Abstract
This thesis argues that considerations of value and significance are fundamental to sustainable heritage management practice. It explores critical issues relating to the valorisation of historic heritage in New Zealand and considers whether existing frameworks for evaluation and assessment are effective and appropriate. The rationale for the research proposes that achievable and effective outcomes for historic heritage only occur in the context of rigorous evaluation and assessment frameworks. Theoretical and pragmatic frames of reference drive key lines of reasoning. The two frames of reference comprise: firstly, theoretical principles relating to the nature and qualities of heritage value and secondly, operational strategies relating to the process of assessment. The thesis integrates current policy and practice within existing epistemology with primary research data using a mixed methodology. A review of international policy and practice contrasts the various approaches used in Australia, Canada, England and the United States of America, and identifies effective system characteristics. Existing understandings and practice within New Zealand are considered and analogies made between particular elements of the primary research drawn from surveys of professional and non-professional opinion of the heritage assessment process. The New Zealand findings are then set against the review of international evidence and the literature to identify significant strengths and shortcomings. It is argued that New Zealand currently lacks suitable frameworks within which appropriate concepts of value and effective strategies for significance assessment are meaningfully integrated. Expressions of the nature and qualities of historic heritage must be reformulated in ways that afford greater recognition to principles of social value and the holistic, multivalent properties of the resource. Moreover, identified deficiencies in matters of community engagement, consistency, resourcing, local authority process and the recognition of indigenous rights, undermine the effectiveness of operational strategies for assessment and require attention.
Description
Content removed due to copyright restriction;
Donaghey, S. (2000). A fading landscape: strategies for managing the cultural heritage resource. Archaeology in New Zealand, 43(4), 270-282.
Donaghey, S. (2001). What is aught,but as 'tis valued? An analysis of strategies for the assessment of cultural heritage significance in New Zealand. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 7(4), 365-380.
Keywords
Heritage management, Heritage value assessment