About Us
SPAR staff are all experienced in the archaeology of heritage management within the context of New Zealand’s statutory framework. We are also experienced researchers with more than 100 publications in the international literature.
Chris Jacomb (Director) is an archaeologist with more than 20 years experience working in cultural heritage management and archaeological research in New Zealand. Before joining SPAR Chris was the New Zealand Historic Places Trust Regional Archaeologist for the Southern Region. He also spent 12 years as Curator of Archaeology at the Canterbury Museum.
Email: chris.jacomb@otago.ac.nz
Richard Walter (Director) is a New Zealand–trained Pacific specialist with more than 20 years experience as a research scientist in Melanesia, Polynesia and New Zealand. In addition to his role as a director of SPAR, Richard is Professor of Archaeology in the Anthropology Department at the University of Otago and teaches in the archaeology programme.
Emma Brooks (Research Manager) is a New Zealand-trained archaeologist who has worked in both the cultural heritage and research sectors. Before joining SPAR Emma was based in Wellington as the New Zealand Historic Places Trust Regional Archaeologist for the Central Region. As well as working full-time for SPAR Emma is a Research Associate in Archaeology at the Canterbury Museum.
Email: emma.brooks@otago.ac.nz