Navigating Conservation Challenges: Insights from the 2024 NZCCM Conference
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 New Zealand Conservators of Cultural Materials Pu Manaaki Kahurangi (NZCCM) conference, held at The Historic Village in Tauranga. The event brought together conservation professionals, curators, and cultural heritage specialists from across Aotearoa to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities in the field of conservation. The conference was rich in discussions around ethics, sustainability, Māori heritage, and innovative approaches to conservation.
As the incoming President, I kicked off the conference with opening remarks. Puawai Cairns delivered a powerful keynote speech titled "Balancing Heritage and Dissent: Navigating Protest Actions in Cultural Institutions." Drawing on her career, she discussed how museums, as memory institutions, preserve protest artifacts, including smaller objects whose significance often emerges over time. She highlighted the ongoing need to capture protest-related material still in private collections and reflected on her book, Protest: Tautohetohe (2019). Cairns' presentation prompted thought-provoking discussions about the responsibility of institutions in preserving both objects and the human stories behind them.
Indigenous Heritage and Conservation
Buddy Mikaere’s presentation on Te Pūtake o te Riri / New Zealand Wars Centre shared the remarkable work of recreating and interpreting the historical battle at Pukehinahina Gate Pā. Mikaere emphasized the importance of bringing Māori narratives to life through educational initiatives like animated re-enactments, virtual reality, and interactive exhibits. His dedication to engaging young learners and the community to understand Māori history and its modern implications was inspiring.
Dean Flavell’s session on the restoration of Mauao (Mount Maunganui) showcased the significant work of the Mauao Trust in reclaiming, interpreting, and protecting this sacred maunga (mountain). He addressed the ongoing environmental challenges, such as erosion, and the innovative strategies used to preserve the maunga, including planting projects that respect archaeological sites.
Dr. Kepa Morgan’s presentation on Mauri and Conservation introduced the audience to the Mauri Model, a holistic framework connecting environmental, social, and cultural well-being. Dr. Morgan urged the conservation community to think about how their work can enhance the mauri (life force) of both objects and the communities connected to them. His presentation emphasized the importance of Indigenous knowledge systems in shaping conservation practices.
Reflections on Private Conservation Practices
Our recent Conservation Intern, Sarah Dodson, and I, presented our paper, "Balancing Ethics and Efficiency: The Complex Reality of Private Conservation Practice in Aotearoa New Zealand." The presentation, based on Sarah’s internship experience, explored how private conservators often face unique ethical challenges, such as navigating client expectations and managing limited resources. We reflected on how private practice can conflict with conservation ethics, particularly when clients prioritise budget over best practices. Our presentation highlighted the need for continuous professional development and networking within the conservation community to uphold ethical standards.
Sustainability and Conservation
Megan Harvey and Vesna Živković led the way in discussing sustainability in conservation, challenging us to expand our definition of sustainability beyond environmental concerns to include economic equity and social justice. Harvey spoke on how institutions like the Auckland Museum are beginning to reassess their priorities to include sustainable practices. Živković emphasized the importance of adjusting environmental conditions in storage and display to protect cultural materials in a changing climate.
Practical Case Studies
The conference was also packed with practical case studies. Deeksha Bhardwaj from MOTAT shared her experience with integrated pest management (IPM) and the collaborative approach her team took in managing museum pests. Rose Evans presented on the conservation of waka, reflecting on how tikanga (customs) shape conservation practices in Aotearoa. Other presenters shared valuable lessons learned from the conservation of specific cultural artefacts, from embroidered portraits to hazardous materials in bound collections.
Field Trip: Conservation in Action
The final day of the conference offered a field trip that deepened our connection to the cultural landscapes and heritage around Tauranga. Hosted by mana whenua, Reon Tuanau, the day began with a warm welcome and a clear emphasis on the importance of building strong relationships with local iwi.
Our journey first took us to Te Kura o Maia at Bowentown, Waihi Beach, a site rich in historical significance. We learned about the whakapapa (genealogy) of Mauau and Hikurangi, two mountains that are central to the region's identity. Ancestors are buried between the beach and the high mark, a poignant reminder of the deep connection between the land and its people. Mana whenua reminded us that while we may not have large quantities of certain taonga (treasures), it is still vital to invest in and protect the few we do have.
This sentiment carried through as we walked the pā site, a place where many warriors were once trained in the art of warfare. The stories shared by our guides reinforced the idea that conservation is not just about preserving physical artefacts but also about protecting the intangible histories and relationships tied to these places.
Ongare Beach – Layers of History in Rock Art and Graffiti
Our journey continued to Ongare Beach, where we explored the layers of cultural history etched into the landscape. Walking along the foreshore (in gumboots, no less!), we encountered ancient rock art intermingled with modern graffiti, each telling its own story of human interaction with the environment.
This segment of the field trip reinforced the ongoing challenge of balancing conservation with natural processes. The rock art, like many cultural landmarks, faces threats from erosion and human activity, but it is also deeply tied to the living history of the place.
Owarau Pā – A Swamp Pā of Historical and Cultural Significance
We traveled to Owarau Pā, located at Kauri Point. Owarau is a swamp pā, and it holds a special place in both Māori history and conservation work. The site is famous for the heru (ornamental combs) discovered there, many of which were displayed in the landmark Te Māori exhibition. As we stood on the land, we discussed the ongoing restoration efforts led by mana whenua. The restoration work is not only about preserving the physical remnants but also about reconnecting the local community to their ancestral knowledge and the environment.
Owarau Pā offered a tangible example of how cultural heritage and natural landscapes are intertwined. The swampy terrain and archaeological finds, combined with the mana whenua’s efforts to restore the area, underscore the complexities of conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand. The trip emphasized that conservation is a living practice, deeply connected to both people and place.
The Future of Conservation
As we look toward the future, the themes of community engagement, sustainability, and the integration of Māori perspectives into conservation practices will undoubtedly shape the field. The 2024 NZCCM conference served as a powerful reminder of the critical role conservators play in preserving not just objects but the cultural stories and identities embedded within them.
As we wrapped up the conference with the Annual General Meeting and wonderfully social conference dinner, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the shared knowledge, deep reflections, and collective aspirations for a more ethical, sustainable, and inclusive approach to conservation.