Protected Objects Act — Nationally Significant Objects Register
The Nationally Significant Objects Register has been established under section 7F of the Protected Objects Act 1975. The Register lists objects that cannot be exported from New Zealand because they are deemed to be of such significance to New Zealand that their export would substantially diminish New Zealand's cultural heritage.
There are two ways objects can be added to the Register — voluntarily or by having an export application declined.
If you would like to voluntarily apply to have an object you own included on the Register, see the relevant application form here. Along with the application, you must include high resolution photographs and the known history of the object.
The Chief Executive of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage will then determine if the object is of such national significance that it must be included on the Register.
Registered Objects:
- cannot be permanently exported from New Zealand;
- can be temporarily exported from New Zealand only with the approval of the Chief Executive; and
- may be removed from the Register only if it no longer meets the criteria specified in section 7F (2) of the Protected Objects Act 1975.
The Register is not available for public inspection.