Despite decades of robust archaeological survey, excavation, research and publication, the findings and interpretations of archaeology remain largely marginalised, misunderstood and misinterpreted in the politics of New Zealand history and society. This presentation discusses the significance of these issues to Māori and New Zealand identity. Peter Adds is Head of School in Māori Studies at Victoria University where he teaches Māori and Polynesian history and Māori customary concepts. He is of Te Atiawa ki Taranaki descent and is their Claim Negotiator, having led the Waitangi Tribunal research for the Taranaki land claim. He is currently engaged in negotiations with the Crown seeking a Treaty settlement for his tribe. A former Ministerial appointment to the Board of the NZ Historic Places Trust and a member of the Māori Heritage Council, Peter has a strong background in heritage issues and was a keynote speaker at the New Zealand Archaeological Conference in June 2009.