(1) The purpose of this Act is to promote the identification, protection, preservation, and conservation of the historical and cultural heritage of New Zealand.
(2) In achieving the purpose of this Act, all persons exercising functions and powers under it shall recognise—
(a) the principle that historic places have lasting value in their own right and provide evidence of the origins of New Zealand's distinct society; and
(b) the principle that the identification, protection, preservation, and conservation of New Zealand's historical and cultural heritage should—
(i) take account of all relevant cultural values, knowledge, and disciplines; and
(ii) take account of material of cultural heritage value and involve the least possible alteration or loss of it; and
(iii) safeguard the options of present and future generations; and
(iv) be fully researched, documented, and recorded, where culturally appropriate; and
(c) the relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands, water, sites, wahi tapu, and other taonga.