The New Zealand Archaeological Association (NZAA) is working to increase public awareness and highlight the importance of protecting our archaeological heritage by promoting the work of New Zealand archaeologists both at home and abroad.

New Zealand Archaeology Week 2025 will comprise of a variety of events around Aotearoa and content shared online. These events are being hosted by consultant archaeologists, museums, heritage organisations and iwi and will include public talks, historic walks, community events and displays across a number of regions.

Events are listed on the NZAA webpage, Facebook page and Eventfinda.

Follow NZAA on social media Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Look out for the hashtag #nzarchweek2025.

The Great New Zealand Archaeology Bake Off!

Send in your very best efforts at showcasing New Zealand archaeology in edible form. It doesn’t need to be a cake, if you can bake it and eat it then you’re in with a chance!

Previous years have had some great entries focussing on the art of excavation but don’t forget archaeology can include artefacts and places…

The competition is open to all, Photos of your amazing creations are to be sent to archaeologyweek@nzarchaeology.org along with your contact details.

All photos must be submitted by 11 May.

These will then be posted on social media and the photo with the most ‘likes’ by Tuesday 13 May will be the winner. The winner will receive a $50 Pressie card, a certificate they can proudly display on their fridge and of course bragging rights!

Related content

In Evolutionary research – advancing our understanding of us read how new technologies can extend our scientific understanding.

New techniques using genetic analysis tools have uncovered some of Aotearoa’s long-lost ecological history – the secrets of our smallest of bones are being revealed.

Amongst archaeologists, there is debate about the timing of settlement for different islands in the South Pacific.

Chemistry meets archaeology, anthropology and art with the Lapita cultural complex. Ākonga can get hands-on and crafty with the activity Exploring Lapita pottery through observation and art.

Learn more about the ancient fossils of Foulden Maar and the fight to protect the site from mining. There are lots of useful and related content links at the bottom of the article.

Find out about some of the different ways scientists date fossils in Dating the past – introduction and Date a dinosaur.

Browse the range of resources we have under our fossils topic.

See all events