Archaeologist based in Tauranga - Ref 67.1

Are you passionate about New Zealand’s heritage? This full-time role is an exciting opportunity to make a significant contribution to the protection and conservation of New Zealand’s historic heritage.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga welcomes applications from people with archaeological expertise, knowledge and experience of the statutory archaeological processes under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act (HNZPTA) 2014 along with proven skill sets in archaeological assessment, investigation, reporting and archaeological site management. Ideally, you would have held a wide range of responsibilities (in relation to archaeological site management) in your career as an archaeologist.

As an archaeologist, you will be responsible for administering the archaeological provisions of the HNZPTA 2014 via the archaeological authority process, working within a multidisciplinary team and required to effectively communicate expert archaeological advice to both internal and external stakeholders including archaeological consultants, property owners, local authorities, developers and whānau/hapū/iwi and professionals in other fields.

This role directly reports to the Lower Northern Senior Archaeologist.  You will be one of two archaeologists working from the area office team of heritage professionals located in Tauranga. The Lower-Northern area covers the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Gisborne districts and travel within those areas (including overnight) will be required. Knowledge of the archaeology of these areas would be an advantage.

Essential qualifications and experience:

• Hold a tertiary post graduate qualification (MA) in archaeology.


• Hold a full New Zealand Driver’s License.


• Have demonstrated relevant field experience and knowledge of New Zealand archaeology.


• Be able to meet or have substantively worked toward meeting the minimum requirements to gain approval for undertaking archaeological works under s45 of the HNZPTA 2014 (see:https://www.heritage.org.nz/resources/archaeology-resources).


• Have a demonstrated understanding of tikanga as it applies to Māori archaeological sites in New Zealand Aotearoa and commitment to Te Tiriti or Waitangi.

Applications close at 5pm on  Friday 27 March 2026

The salary range for this position is $70,585 - $83,041

The job description is at Archaeologist Lower Northern 05-2022 final.pdf

How to apply

Please upload your cover letter and CV. 

Please note you must have NZ citizenship or a current working visa to apply for this role.