Grey Literature

Grey Literature

In common with many other countries the greater part of the New Zealand archaeology reports produced, particularity those from cultural resource management investigations, remain unpublished in the conventional literature and only exist in a few paper copies. The common term for this is the Grey Literature

Almost all those produced as conditions of authorities under legislation have been scanned by Heritage New Zealand and are available from it by request.

See their page for how to find these and request copies. Archaeological Digital Library

Note though some are not of great interest - for instance some where monitoring of earthworks was required but nothing was seen. There are some real gems though so do not be disheartened by a few dull ones. The references in the reports often cite other reports from the grey literature so they are also a great source of good local information.

Not all such reports though were for authorities and there are many others. Potential sources are NZAA site record paper files, DOC regional office libraries, local and national libraries. If you know of a report but can't find it ask the researcher. It would be uncommon for them to be confidential. Most modern reports would also exist in .pdf form Current CRM researchers are usually listed here.[1] They are not obliged to provide reports - so ask nicely and explain why you are asking.