You have reached the old archived Historic Places Aotearoa web site.
Our new Historic Places Aotearoa web site can be found here:
https://historicplacesaotearoa.nz
Our new site has the latest news, media releases, contact details and newsletters etc.
We will be slowly transferring our archive material from this site to our new web site.
Heritage Bites: These papers from the cancelled HPA/ICOMOS AGM/Conference in Auckland last year were presented online in weekly sessions starting in February. The papers were well received and if you missed them and want to catch up you can use the following link.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCledy6IGGqjvJ5fqTviRbvQ
| Moira Smith | ICOMOS New Zealand Charter Practice Notes and Best Practice Guidelines |
| Dr Renata Jadresin Milic | The Digital Realm and New Zealand Heritage: Bringing Architectural Theory and Practice into the Modern Architects Workflow |
| Kurt Bennett | Aotearoa/New Zealand’s shared maritime cultural heritage—HMS Buffalo, a 19th century case study |
| Rachel Pascholin | Energy retrofit of historic and heritage buildings in New Zealand: a case study analysis |
| Susanne Rawson | Heritage fabric conservation |
You can download the New Zealand Urban Design Protocol from the following page:
https://environment.govt.nz/publications/new-zealand-urban-design-protocol/
Of interest to Heritage Advocates- Section 3
"Key Urban Design Qualities - the Seven Cs
The Urban Design Protocol identifies seven essential design qualities that create quality urban design: the seven Cs. They are: Context, Character, Choice, Connections, Creativity, Custodianship and Collaboration. These are a combination of design processes and outcomes.
The seven Cs:
-provide a checklist of qualities that contribute to quality urban design
-are based on sound urban design principles recognised and demonstrated throughout the world
-explain these qualities in simple language, providing a common basis for discussing urban issues and objectives
-provide core concepts to use in urban design projects and policies
-can be adapted for use in towns and cities throughout New Zealand.
Context...
"Quality Urban Design
: celebrates cultural identity and recognises the heritage values of a place
Character ...
Quality urban design reflects and enhances the distinctive character and culture of our urban environment, and recognises that character is dynamic and evolving, not static. It ensures
new buildings and spaces are unique, are appropriate to their location and compliment their historic identity ...
Quality Urban Design
: protects and manages our heritage, including buildings, places and landscapes
Public Forum Presentation to the
Waipuna Hallswell Hornby Riccarton Community Board
From Historic Places Canterbury (HPC)
Tuesday 29th March 2022
Chair, Councillors and Community Board Members,
"Thank You" for allowing me to make this Public Forum presentation.
My name is Mark Gerrard and I am Chair of the heritage NGO Historic Places Canterbury.
This presentation is to inform you of Historic Places Canterbury's reservations about a report recently presented to the Council and presumably passed by the Board, on the proposed demolition of the Upper Riccarton War Memorial Library.
Our concerns about the report are the following:
HPC could not find a Heritage Assessment from the Council Heritage Team
HPC found no mention of the Council Heritage Strategy “Our Heritage Our Taonga”
No public Engagement.
Very recently, I made a personal Deputation expressing the same concerns on a report to the Waikura Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board on the proposed demolition of Woodham Park Caretaker's Residence.
That Board chose to have the report lay on the table whilst:
A Heritage Assessment of the Woodham Park Caretaker's Residence was conducted and a Public Engagement for possible future community use was carried out.
Those of you with longer memories will recall we almost lost the Yaldhurst Memorial Hall in similar circumstances. Responding to a HPC presentation, assurances were given then, there would be a change in management procedures ensuring the Heritage Team would be brought in earlier in the CCC decision making process, to advise and assess.
HPC considers the Community Boards as often, having the best appreciation of your Heritage. As the local guardians of your heritage, HPC asks that you be vigilant in this your role.
HPC recognises that often the Board can only make recommends to the full Council. HPC is of the belief that where there is a possibility Heritage may be involved, you require any report that is to be received:
Address the Council Heritage Policy “Our Heritage Our Taonga”
Ask/ensure the Council Heritage Team’s input/advice be sought
On a more broader issue HPC considers when it comes to the future of a Council owned building with a social history, the default setting should be Public Engagement to ascertain if there is a community use for it. This should occur before any decisions and reports about its future eg sale or demolition, are written.
The Council's Heritage Strategy has been broadened and includes social history, it recognises, as we all should, the importance of "Our Heritage, Our Taonga".
Thank You for listening to this Presentation.
Mark Gerrard
Chair Historic Places Canterbury
This is a submission on the Draft Annual Plan which is a financial plan.
Christchurch City Council Draft Annual Plan 2022-2023
Submission
From Historic Places Canterbury
Mayor and Councillors,
Historic Places Canterbury (HPC) wishes to acknowledge the work and professionalism of the Council's Heritage Team and requests the Councillors to pass on our appreciation of their work.
HPC in addition wishes to draw the attention of the Councillors to the Canterbury Stories web site initiative. HPC commends the Council for funding work on this project.
Our initial contacts with them has been very positive and HPC is sure the project will have strong community support. Our contacts outside Christchurch have expressed real interest in this initiative.
HPC requests this projects funding be continued.
HPC considers the continual restoration of its (CCC) earthquake damaged Heritage buildings to be a real success. HPC requests the Council pass on our appreciation to those staff involved.
Specifically, HPC requests the Councillors adjust the Draft Annual Plan for the following:
Christchurch City Council Heritage Team
HPC requests the Council Heritage Team be restored to its pre-COVID staffing levels and make an adjustment to the funding accordingly.
The CCC deferred from filling a Team Heritage vacant position due to the financial influence of COVID.
HPC is requesting this vacant position be filled as it has been our experience the Heritage Team's expertise is required both internally and externally.
Councillors will recall our recent Public Forum presentations where we noted the lack of Heritage Team input and advice in CCC Reports.
The Heritage Team's work will increase as the Government's intention to intensify our City will place additional strain on the preserving our Heritage. Due to the Government measures we face the real prospect of significant loss of Heritage that would qualify but has not yet been assessed for protection by the Heritage Team.
HPC considers the District Plan is not as representative of our Heritage and extra effort needs to made to rectify this. HPC would like to remind the Councillors a couple of years ago we found that scheduled Heritage Buildings were just (if I recall correctly) just 0.25% of the total building stock) so Heritage is rare.
Heritage Incentive Grants- The Tangible Fund
HPC requests at minimum, the full reinstatement of the grant to its highest previous levels (between $800,000-900,00).
Reinstating it to its previous levels will bring operational parity with the Intangible Fund.
HPC considers there is an imbalance as applications for built heritage are generally more cash intensive so the funding for the Tangible Fund should reflect this and needs to be raised. "Our Heritage Our Taonga" Heritage Strategy commits the Council to supporting and partnering with the Community in the retention of our Heritage and the funding must reflect this.
HPC argues BOTH the Tangible and Intangible Funds should be well supported to be effective.
This is not a case of one or another but both together.
CCC Cemeteries
HPC requests the Cemetery Repair Fund be reinstated.
The CCC is to be commended for having a specialist Cemetery Team. (HPC has complimented their work in a past Public Forum presentation.) The systematic repair of these Heritage Objects will supplement their work and will enjoy public support.
In addition there is a Bill before Parliament that will very likely direct the Council to take responsibility for cemetery maintenance. Setting aside funds for repair is the CCC preparing for the inevitable.
Robert McDougall Gallery- Deferment of work on Weathertightness
HPC requests the Councillors give an assurance that delaying the work in making the Gallery weathertight will not cause (further?) damage to its heritage material.
HPC is asking for this as we can find no reference in the Draft Plan to any report stating that the proposed delay will not materially affect the heritage material of the building.
If no report exists HPC requests the Councillors seek one before making the final decision.
The Provincial Council Buildings
HPC supports that funds have set aside for work on the complex.
HPC requests the CCC actively seek a lasting solution on the future of these important and much loved Heritage buildings.
HPC understands this is a complex situation however we are sure Christchurch residents and yourselves agree a solution is long overdue.
Vacant Land Rate Differential
HPC requests that for the proposed Vacate Land Rate Differential a provision allowing for discretion for Heritage and Character buildings be added.
HPC is concerned the proposed new Rate in its application should not become a contributing factor in a buildings demise.
HPC considers that an increased funding of the Tangible Fund (HIG grants etc) empowers the CCC Heritage Team to be more proactive and achieve more positive outcomes..
General Comments
Aside from the above requests, HPC endorses the Draft Plan in relation to what is proposed for Heritage.
HPC is pleased the repair of the Cunningham House renewal is on the budget. The Botanical Gardens are one of Christchurch jewels and Cunningham House is an integral part of the Parks experience.
Barbadoes Street Cemetery Sextons House Renewal
HPC is pleased work is planned for this building, as it is long overdue. However if the renewal is to be delayed as proposed, HPC requests an assurance the building will made very secure. HPC has knowledge of other CCC buildings where this has not happened.
Wayfinding
HPC has seen the initial installations and looks forward to the continued rollout of the program.
"Our Heritage Our Taonga" CCC Heritage Strategy
"Kia kōmiroa, kia whiria ngā weu kia ū, Kia roa, kia pītonga ai te taura
we lengthen and strengthen the essence within
As we weave together new strands into our rope,
We work together to recognise, protect and celebrate our heritage, which weaves our stories and places together, and is vital to the identity and wellbeing of our communities and the district."
Mark Gerrard
Chair Historic Places Canterbury
"Urban regeneration specialist urges Timaru to consider its heritage as part of its future" Timaru Herald Online Article
"Hazelton urged Timaru to look to neighbouring city Dunedin for inspiration, and said the most sustainable approach was looking at what it already had.
“Most of the time when we do have a building get demolished it does just become a car park because the cost of reconstruction and cost of building a new building is so great that the return people have to get from it – you can't rent things for that expense in Dunedin,” Hazelton said.
"Hazelton also spoke about the sustainable aspect of regenerating heritage buildings instead of demolishing them, and the way the Dunedin City Council had regenerated it CBD’s heritage buildings by repurposing them
"In the design plans, heritage and character buildings were on full display, while space in front of modern buildings was allocated to greenery... Stuff Online article
Plans unveiled for George Street.
Further media coverage.
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/%E2%80%98win-win%E2%80%99-goal-george-st
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dcc/detailed-plans-george-st-revamp-unveiled
Public Forum Presentation to the
Waipuna Hallswell Hornby Riccarton Community Board
From Historic Places Canterbury (HPC)
Tuesday 29th March 2022
Chair, Councillors and Community Board Members,
"Thank You" for allowing me to make this Public Forum presentation.
My name is Mark Gerrard and I am Chair of the heritage NGO Historic Places Canterbury. This presentation is to inform you of Historic Places Canterbury's reservations about a report recently presented to the Council and presumably passed by the Board, on the proposed demolition of the Upper Riccarton War Memorial Library.
Our concerns about the report are the following:
HPC could not find a Heritage Assessment from the Council Heritage Team
HPC found no mention of the Council Heritage Strategy “Our Heritage Our Taonga”
No public Engagement.
Very recently, I made a personal Deputation expressing the same concerns on a report to the Waikura Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board on the proposed demolition of Woodham Park Caretaker's Residence.
That Board chose to have the report lay on the table whilst:
A Heritage Assessment of the Woodham Park Caretaker's Residence was conducted and
Public Engagement for possible future community use was carried out.
Those of you with longer memories will recall we almost lost the Yaldhurst Memorial Hall in similar circumstances. Responding to a HPC presentation, assurances were given then, there would be a change in management procedures ensuring the Heritage Team would be brought in earlier in the CCC decision making process, to advise and assess.
HPC considers the Community Boards as often, having the best appreciation of your Heritage. As the local guardians of your heritage, HPC asks that you be vigilant in this your role.
HPC recognises that often the Board can only make recommends to the full Council. HPC is of the belief that where there is a possibility Heritage may be involved, you require any report that is to be received:
Address the Council Heritage Policy “Our Heritage Our Taonga”
Ask/ensure the Council Heritage Team’s input/advice be sought
On a more broader issue HPC considers when it comes to the future of a Council owned building with a social history, the default setting should be Public Engagement to ascertain if there is a community use for it. This should occur before any decisions and reports about its future eg sale or demolition, are written.
The Council's Heritage Strategy has been broadened and includes social history, it recognises, as we all should, the importance of "Our Heritage, Our Taonga".
Thank You for listening to this Presentation.
Mark Gerrard
Chair Historic Places Canterbury
30th March 2022
Chair, Mayor and Councillors, Thank you for allowing
Historic Places Canterbury to make this Public Forum presentation.
Historic Places Canterbury (HPC) as you will be aware has expressed our concerns with the report on the Upper Riccarton War Memorial Library.
They were briefly the following:
HPC could not find a Heritage Assessment from the Heritage Team.
We could find no reference to the CCC Strategy “Our Heritage Our Taonga”.
Lack of Public Engagement.
Recently, I made a personal Deputation to the Waikura Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board concerning the recommended demolition of the Woodham Park Caretaker's Residence. My Deputation raised the same three criticisms as HPC raised on the Upper Riccarton War Memorial Library report. The Community Board resolved for the report to lay on the table whilst a Heritage Assessment is done and Public Engagement on the future of the building is sought.
HPC is very concerned there may be a pattern that if a building is not listed or scheduled then “Our Heritage Our Taonga” does not apply nor should advice or input from the CCC Heritage Team be sought.
If this is the case, HPC believes this is contrary to Our Heritage Our Taonga. HPC considers it should be the CCC default setting, and the Staff should be proactive on this, that if there is a decision to be made on a building which has a social history or heritage, no matter how minor, whatever its District Plan status, Our Heritage Our Taonga applies and Heritage Team advice and input should be sought. This advice/ input should be sought very early in the CCC processes.
HPC seeks your support for this.
HPC is concerned Public Engagement priority is determined by the early decision making made leading up to the final report. HPC considers where practical Public Engagement should occur early on in the CCC processes to determine if there is community interest in the future of a building.
HPC seeks your support for this.
The greenest buildings is the one that already exists. (Publication:"There's No Place like Old Homes. Re-use and recycle to reduce carbon" Historic England.)
HPC respectfully requests the CCC and its entities should adopt Whole of Life Carbon Cycle Costs when costing its buildings. Any comparison between refurbishment of an existing and demolishing / building new should include these costs. (The demolition costs should include end of life costings.)
HPC has an interest in the future of the Barnett Avenue Pensioner Cottages, the Council's first and New Zealand's first Council elderly housing. HPC has the expectation the Heritage Team should be consulted on their Heritage significance.
HPC seeks your support that for any financial calculations relating to any decisions on the future of the Barnett Ave Cottages include Whole of Life Carbon Cycle Costs for both refurbishment and demolition/new build (the demolition costs the include end of life costings).
Thank you for listening to this Public Forum presentation.
Mark Gerrard
Chair Historic Places Canterbury
Historic Places Aotearoa and ICOMOS New Zealand are pleased to
present a series of digital lunchtime talks on historic heritage matters.
Click at the following link for more information about these sessions on Friday lunchtimes, 12.15pm – 12.45pm
Talks will be delivered via zoom: Contact us at HPA and we'll send you the link:
