Elizabeth Pishief

Elizabeth Pishief explored places and compared the different meanings and practices of heritage constructed around them by archaeologists and Māori

I am currently working for as a Heritage Consultant running my own business based in Hawkes Bay. I have a liberal understanding of historic heritage formed from a combination of twenty five years experience in all aspects of historic heritage management including Māori cultural heritage, archaeological heritage and built heritage; and ongoing academic study. I have qualifications in English literature from Victoria (BA); diplomas in history and museum studies, and an MA (Museum Studies), from Massey; and my PhD in Museum and Heritage Studies from Victoria University. My heritage management interests are heritage research, heritage education— and capacity building in the sector, iwi and community liaison, and heritage management within the legislative framework of the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Heritage New Zealand Act 2014.

My PhD thesis examines a problem in heritage management—the management of archaeological sites under separate legislation from other heritage places. It explores places and compares the different meanings and practices of heritage constructed around them by archaeologists and Māori. The main finding is a refined theory that heritage is comprised of three tangible elements: person, performance and place, enlivened by the intangible ‘Connect’. The research led to the development of a trans-cultural, bi-national governance model for heritage management in Aotearoa New Zealand. This seminal study makes a significant academic contribution to critical heritage studies and the history, theory and practice of heritage management here and internationally.

Elizabeth Pishief's thesis is entitled: 'Constructing the Identities of Place: An exploration of Māori and Archaeological heritage practices in Aotearoa New Zealand'

Elizabeth is a Heritage practioner running her own consultancy in Hawkes Bay.