man excavating

ICOMOS New Zealand aims to assist potential and current heritage professionals select the most appropriate heritage education and training.

In 1993, the ICOMOS General Assembly adopted guidelines to promote the establishment of standards for education and training in the conservation of monuments, groups of buildings and sites, including historic buildings, historic areas and towns, archaeological sites, and their contents, as well as historic and cultural landscapes.

Opportunities for professional heritage and trades education and training in Australia and New Zealand have been reviewed on behalf of the Heritage Chairs and Officials of Australia and New Zealand (HCOANZ) and identified “looming skills shortages” for heritage professionals and specialist heritage trades. These findings reinforce the long held consensus among ICOMOS New Zealand members that there is a need for both a greater number of qualified heritage practitioners and further training for those already involved in cultural heritage conservation in New Zealand.

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Degree/diploma education and training courses

In March 2016 the University of Auckland introduced a Master of Heritage Conservation degree program. It also has instituted two combined degree courses – a Master of Architecture (Professional) and Heritage Conservation, and a Master of Urban Planning and Heritage Conservation. Information is available on the University of Auckland website.

There are few opportunities otherwise to undertake a comprehensive study of cultural heritage conservation in New Zealand leading to a formal qualification. There are however a substantial number of education and training programmes, including 1-2 year academic courses available outside of New Zealand, leading to formal heritage qualifications. There is also the opportunity for occasional study programmes or short courses in New Zealand which can be enriching (but often do not culminate in a formal qualification).

ICOMOS New Zealand has prepared a list of available degree and diploma courses in cultural heritage conservation to guide potential and current heritage practitioners towards programmes that it considers most appropriate to the New Zealand heritage context. The table is set out in alphabetical order by country and then by provider. Courses range from 1-2 year postgraduate qualifications and include distance learning programmes. It is for guidance purposes only – information therein must be checked with the providers as courses do continually change.

Most postgraduate programmes require a relevant graduate qualification and all require full or part-time attendance at the providing institution. A number of providers offer postgraduate qualifications through distance learning. This allows the possibility of combining a formal education with ‘on the job’ practical training in the workplace.

Some ICOMOS New Zealand members have direct experience of courses and would be willing to share their experiences. This is indicated on the table. Please email us via our contact page. if you wish to be put in contact. A sound theoretical background leading to a formal qualification, practical experience and specific short courses will provide the best on-going training and continuing professional development for cultural heritage practitioners. For further information or to provide details of new courses, please email us via our contact page.

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Professional development

Cultural heritage practitioners who have undertaken overseas education and training should endeavour to augment their education with knowledge of the particular New Zealand context on subjects including:

  1. The historical development and range of cultural heritage monuments, buildings and sites, groups and landscapes in New Zealand
  2. Legislative, statutory and policy context for cultural heritage and planning in New Zealand
  3. Building materials, traditions & technologies and the effects of climatic conditions and mechanisms of decay
  4. New Zealand cultural heritage conservation and management practice and international conservation as it relates to the New Zealand heritage context
  5. Social and community expectations surrounding cultural heritage conservation and management
  6. ICOMOS New Zealand Charter

ICOMOS New Zealand considers these are good topics for New Zealand-run short courses to supplement overseas education and training. Given the continuous development of best practice cultural heritage conservation and management, all practitioners need to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date. Attending short courses, conferences and training workshops can be a useful form of professional development.

Short courses, workshops and conferences can offer, depending on their purpose and length, a broad introduction to cultural heritage conservation or in-depth training in a specific topic. Courses and conferences range from ½ day workshops, 1-8 week courses to research fellowships, and cover a broad range of heritage-related topics. There are a number that are held from time to time in New Zealand, but with the exception of the ICOMOS New Zealand AGM (usually held end of October/beginning of November) they are not held on a regular timetable or basis.

Consult this website or newsletters for notice of upcoming training opportunities. ICOMOS New Zealand has prepared however a list of available degree and diploma courses overseas that do occur on a regular basis to guide potential and current heritage practitioners towards education and training programmes that it considers appropriate.

A sound theoretical background leading to a formal qualification, practical experience and specific short courses will provide the best on-going training and continuing professional development for cultural heritage practitioners.

For further information or to provide details of new courses, please email us via our contact page.

Travel Scholarship

ICOMOS New Zealand has established a travel scholarship to encourage and assist heritage professionals and students undertake further education or professional development in subjects relevant to the conservation and management of New Zealand’s heritage. Applicants do not need to be a member of ICOMOS NZ to apply. To find out more download the application form here.

ICOMOS New Zealand Education Fund

ICOMOS New Zealand has an education fund to which ICOMOS New Zealand members may apply to assist with costs associated with attending workshops and courses which further advances their knowledge of New Zealand heritage conservation and management. More information and application form.

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The Future

ICOMOS New Zealand considers that any future New Zealand cultural heritage education/training programmes should:

  1. Be consistent with the ICOMOS Guidelines for Education and Training in the Conservation of Monuments, Ensembles and Sites
  2. Be consistent with the HCOANZ heritage training and education policy
  3. Have the potential to provide a profound understanding of conservation practice
  4. Provide a sound working knowledge of the Athens Charter and other ICOMOS Charters, including the ICOMOS New Zealand Charter 2010
  5. Provide comprehensive understanding of the history and theory of conservation
  6. Give a working knowledge of building technologies and processes of decay
  7. Promote on-going contacts beyond the course for peer support.

ICOMOS New Zealand would welcome discussions with any providers wishing to develop education or training programmes that meet the above criteria. Please email us via our contact page.

Disclaimer

ICOMOS New Zealand has attempted to ensure that the information contained in the linked tables on this page is accurate and up-to-date but we advise anyone interested in undertaking specific courses to undertake a thorough web search and contact the organisation directly for detailed information. This is not an exhaustive list of education and training providers. We will endeavour to update this information on a regular basis.