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PŪ MANAAKI KAHURANGI 

NEW ZEALAND CONSERVATORS OF CULTURAL MATERIALs


Dr. Susanne Rawson

 

Member profile details

Membership level
Full Member
First name
Dr. Susanne
Last name
Rawson
Profile picture
Regional Group
Wellington
Website
heritagepreservation.co.nz
Business address
Westown, New Plymouth
Occupation
Director/Senior Conservator
Specialism/expertise
  • Archaeological Objects and Sites
  • Archives and Library Materials
  • Conservation science and analysis
  • Emergency response and planning
  • Objects
  • Organics
  • Other
  • Painted Surfaces; objects, architectural
  • Photographic materials
  • Preventive Conservation
  • Sculpture
  • Taonga Māori
  • Textiles
Available for:
Conservation advice and treatment of objects.
About/bio
Heritage Preservation is a Taranaki-based cultural materials conservation studio dedicated to the care of artworks, artefacts, archaeological material and taonga. Led by Dr. Susanne Rawson, our team of conservators, researchers and technicians works with museums, councils, iwi, galleries, private collectors, families and government agencies to provide practical, ethical and culturally informed conservation services.

We combine hands-on treatment, preventive conservation, field support, documentation and research to help clients care for significant objects and collections with confidence. Our approach is grounded in authenticity, community and knowledge-sharing, with a strong commitment to respectful relationships, transparency and the long-term preservation of heritage. We are proud to support clients across Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond with thoughtful, tailored conservation solutions.
Qualifications and/or experience
The practice is led by Dr. Susanne Rawson, whose background spans private practice, teaching, research and conservation in settings from the United States to Aotearoa. She is a Full Member of the New Zealand Conservators of Cultural Materials and a Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation, with specialist expertise in wet organic material, archaeological artefacts and conservation of complex heritage materials.

That leadership is supported by a multidisciplinary team including conservation researchers, project assistants, operations management and specialist cultural guidance, allowing work to be delivered with both technical depth and practical project oversight. Across the team, experience includes conservation science, material testing, documentation, modern and contemporary art, marine and waterlogged artefacts, and tikanga-informed care of taonga.

Professional development and high standards are built into the way the team works. Staff are supported to engage with recognised professional bodies, and the practice emphasises evidence-based decision making, appropriate materials, clear documentation and continual improvement. The result is a level of expertise suited to clients who need careful assessment, credible advice and treatment grounded in current conservation practice.
Relevant training
Victoria University Wellington, Ph.D. Museums and Heritage Studies, December 2023
University College London, M.A. Principles of Conservation, awarded Sept 2005
Flinders University, Australia, NAS Cert. Foreshore Archaeology, awarded March 2002
University of West Florida, B. A. Anthropology/ Archaeology, awarded Dec. 2003
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