Historic Places Canterbury Deputation to The Christchurch City Council Draft Heritage Strategy 2019-2019

Historic Places Canterbury Deputation to Christchurch City Council.

Thursday 27thSeptember 2017.

“Thank You” Mayor and Councillors for granting Historic Places Canterbury’s (HPC) Request to make this Deputation.

This Deputation is made in reference to the Draft Heritage Strategy, Item 28 on today's Council Meeting Agenda.

HPC is aware it is proposed that the Draft Heritage Strategy be put out for Consultation and a Panel Hearing, and this Deputation confines itself to the process of Engagement used.

HPC commends the Councillors for adopting a process of Engagement where the Community and Individuals drove the formulation of the Draft Heritage Strategy. HPC also Commends the CCC Heritage who with professionalism and a vigour, almost bordering on enthusiasm, engaged the Community. It is this Chairs opinion there cannot be many individuals or community groups who missed out on the Council Heritage Team’s determined Engagement.

  1. Firstly, Historic Places Canterbury wishes to formally record a Thank You, to you the Councilors, who approved the Engagement that effectively allowed the Heritage Team to go out to the Community and ask what they wanted in their Heritage Strategy. As HPC Chair I Would like to record my appreciation for the leadership shown by the Councillors who participated in the Engagement.

As Chair I heard the Mayor, Councillors Clearwater and Galloway participated in Workshops and Councillors Livingstone and Johanson attended the Community Report Back.  For those Councillors who attended Engagement Events and I have omitted to mention, please accept my apologies, as my excuse is the Engagement was so extensive it was difficult to keep up with who attended where.

 

  1. Historic Places Canterbury requests the Councillors pass on to the Heritage Team our appreciation of the design of the Engagement process and its execution, that led up to this Draft Heritage Strategy.

Their efforts were recognized with a Commendation at this year’s Canterbury Heritage Awards.

As Chair there are two snapshots that sum up the Heritage Teams approach:

  1. The Heritage Team Social, Community Development Housing Committee report on what I call the Research Phrase. I considered the report and its contents to be very good one and as you will be aware, I lobbied quite hard at the coffee break for its findings to be reported back to the Community. The Heritage Team were so immersed in the process they may have not been aware of the interest in the report’s contents. I received a phone later in the day seeking my informal feedback on an outline for a proposed community report back. They were quick to respond to any suggestions and adjust their processes.
  2. Draft Heritage Strategy Workshop: One participant observed to me "You open your mouth and four Council Staff start taking notes".

HPC considers that an Engagement Process as followed by the Heritage Team, where open, practical, flexible and very early stakeholder involvement occurs will lead to a solution that is more acceptable and effective. HPC considers this should be the Christchurch City Council template.

 

Mark Gerrard
Chair Historic Places Canterbury

 

Historic Places Canterbury: Submission on Building Amendment Bill (2018)

Submission of Historic Places Canterbury on the Building Amendment Bill 2018

1. Our comments

Historic Places Canterbury supports the policy objectives of the Building Amendment Bill. The experience of the Canterbury Earthquakes illustrated the shortcomings of the exisiting legislation both in regards to managing buildings after an emergency event and in relation to investigating serious failures.

2. Sections 207C - 207S

We believe the power to investigate major building failures is vital if lessons are to be learned which could help avoid future building failures and potential loss of life. We believe that the measures proposed in this Bill strike an appropriate balance between the need for investigation and the rights of property owners and other affected individuals.

3. Subpart 6B Special Provisions for buildings affected by emergency

We recognise that the Bill proposes significant improvements over the current situation in relation to managing buildings after an emergency and it will avoid the need for special empowering legislation to deal with those shortcomings as was required following the Canterbury earthquakes.

It is pleasing to see that these proposed amendments to the Building Act directly address the serious shortcomings that occurred in relation to heritage buildings following the Canterbury earthquakes but we have some reservations as to whether that protection goes far enough. We accept that protection of life safety must have primacy over heritage issues (and that this can include risk to critical infrastructure). Hence we accept a need to draw a distinction between the rules set out in 133BU ( Urgent works to remove or reduce risks) and 133BV (Works to remove or reduce other risks). However we are concerned that the requirement for the responsible person to obtain Ministerial approval for demolition of a heritage building is limited to Category 1 and Landmark buildings on the Heritage New Zealand Register. This involves the false assumption that all the most significant heritage buildings will be listed by Heritage New Zealand,(HNZ) but this is not the case. If a significant building is already protected by a Territorial Local Authority (TLA) then HNZ may have opted to apply its scarce resources to registering another building, given that district plan listing is the key listing for protection under the Resource Management Act. A good example of a key building not listed by HNZ is the Christchurch Town Hall but which is listed as Highly Significant by the Christchurch City Council. The problem identified here could be overcome by extending coverage of the section to Highly Significant heritage buildings listed by TLAs (however they may be described in the relevant district plan). However the reality of the situation for many small towns and rural areas in New Zealand is that most of their heritage buildings will be Category 2 or simply listed as protected in the district plan. If the provisions of this proposed section are limited to Category 1 buildings then smaller towns could potentially lose most or all of their heritage buildings following a major earthquake, especially as these will typically be on the major thoroughfare through the town, so for this reason may well pose a risk to critical infrastructure. Significant loss of heritage from small towns or rural areas would constitute a major loss for the cultural heritage of the country. We understand that extending the requirements of this provision to all listed heritage buildings would place a more onerous responsibility on the the 'responsible person' and the Minister than confining the section to Category 1 and landmark buildings, but if heritage listing is to be meaningful, then all listed buildings should be worthy of consideration. A national register of all listed heritage buildings would be helpful in the case of emergencies to ensure that the responsible authorities are aware of which buildings are heritage buildings. The suggested extension to the section would also require notification to the TLA (if it is not already the responsible authority).

S. 133BV(3)

We fully support the application of this section to all heritage buildings. We have a minor reservation relating to the wording. S. 133BV (3) (a) states that the responsible person must consult with various persons listed in 133BV(3) (a) (i) - (vii) " if it is reasonably practicable to do so". While one can readily see that it may not always be practicable, for example, to locate the owner or occupiers of the building or persons with a mortgage interest etc, it is difficult to conceive of a situation in which it would not be reasonably practicable to consult with HNZ or the territorial authority. We would feel happier with a less discretionary provision in relation to HNZ and the TLA and a stronger directive than merely to consider their views. With the current wording the 'responsible person' seems to be granted greater discretion to deal with a Category 1 building in the less urgent situation envisaged by S. 133BV than in the previous section where Ministerial approval is needed before carrying out demolition. It is clear that demolition may be an outcome of S. 133BV even though there is a requirement to consider alternatives to demolishing the building [S.133BV(3)(b)] but there is no comparable requirement to seek Ministerial approval. It seems an anomaly of the proposed changes that a building which might have been protected by the Minister withholding approval for demolition in the more serious situation dealt with in S.133BU, might be lost through the exercise of the discretion in S. 133BV if the situation is deemed to be one where S.133BU does not apply.

It should also be noted that at the time of an emergency there may be a number of buildings which are presently going through the process of listing either by HNZ or the TLA. It would be beneficial if these could be included, at the very least, in the provisions of S133BV. This would be difficult under the current law relating to heritage protection but it may be that as a result of the review of the heritage protection system being undertaken at present by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage there could in future be a provisional listing category to provide protection against pre-emptive destruction of buildings in the process of being formally listed. If such a change were to be introduced As in the case of listed buildings, a national register of provisional listings would assist those involved in emergency responses.

S .133 BP

We commend the inclusion of S. 133BP (4) (b) which requires those entering or inspecting a building to take all reasonable steps to ensure that minimal damage is caused to the buildings. This was a significant problem following the Canterbury earthquakes where, for example, doors were forced open and wrecked rather than applying the simple expedient of testing the door handle first. It is doubtful whether this legislative requirement will have much impact in reality unless it is backed up by a penalty for failure or at the very least a change in the culture of search and rescue personnel through training.

In conclusion, we welcome these proposed changes to the Building Act and believe, apart from the reservations that we have expressed here, that they will make a substantial contribution to dealing with future emergencies in a much more satisfactory way.

4. Our recommendations

We recommend the following changes:
That the requirement be extended to all heritage buildings by removing (a) and (b) from S133 BU (2)/
If this recommendation is accepted then consequential changes will be required to S 133BU (3) (4) and (5) to include reference to the TLA

S.133BV Insert a requirement that the Minister must approve demolition of a Category 1 listed building or landmark building (or if the recommendations in relation to S. 133BU are accepted, then the Minister must approve demolition of any listed heritage building.

“Art Deco Day at Highwic” Art Deco Day Out At Highwic, Sunday 8 April, 1pm to 6pm (HNZ Heritage This Month March 2018)

Wonderful Highwic. (Credit: Grant Sheehan)

Art Deco Day at Highwic

Auckland’s Own Art Deco Day Out will make a grand entrance once again at Highwic on 8 April (1pm to 6pm).

The 150-year-old mansion in Newmarket, which is cared for by Heritage New Zealand, will throw open its gates for the annual festival of all things Deco including live jazz performed at the Cup Cake Café on-site, and a sparkling array of classic cars from the days of flappers and swingers.

Refreshing G&Ts will also be on sale for the day at Hendrick’s Gin Bar, and a range of stalls selling quality vintage products will also be operating within Highwic’s grounds.  If that isn’t enough, Highwic’s shop will also be selling its range of Victorian style vintage greeting cards, games, books, crafts and more.

The hotly contested Glory Days Costume Competition will be held once again.  The contest is free to enter and fabulous prizes from Minnie Cooper, Glory Days, Hendrick's Gin and Highwic will be awarded to the Best Dressed Lady, Gent and Child.

The team from Gin Mill Swing will also host a free dance class early on so people can learn some fancy moves before dancing the afternoon away to live jazz from the New Orleans Joymakers.

The wonderful world of Art Deco provides the ultimate in feel-good nostalgia, says Highwic Property Lead Cheryl Laurie.

“The $5 admission fee is also great value, enabling people to look around Highwic – though it will pay to bring some extra cash to enjoy some of the other attractions we’ll have on-site,” she says.

For more information on Auckland’s Own Art Deco Day Out – including parking directions – visit http://www.heritage.org.nz/news-and-events/events/highwic-art-deco-day

Don’t miss Auckland’s Own ). Admission: $5 per adult; children free. Refreshments not included in admission.

Caption: Wonderful Highwic.  Credit: Grant Sheehan 

“Our heritage, our taonga defines us. It is who we are, where we have come from and it guides what we will become. ” Cr Andrew Turner Christchurch Deputy Mayor (Christchurch City Council Draft Heritage Strategy 2019-2029)

Councillor Andrew Turner (image source: Christchurch City Council)

The following text appeared  the The Christchurch City Council Draft Heritage Strategy 2019-2029.
Councillor Andrew Turner has generously granted us permission to reproduce it here.

Our heritage, our taonga

Our heritage, our taonga defines us. It is who we are, where we have come from and it guides what we will become. It contributes to our own personal sense of belonging and identity and anchors us to our communities and our city. Heritage connects us: to this place, to each other, to the past and to those who will follow us.

Our heritage is precious and valuable. It has social, cultural, educational, recreational and commercial benefits. It contributes to our cultural wellbeing and brings visitors to the district. We are guardians of our taonga, charged with caring for these treasures and passing them on to our children. (more…)

“Ticking along in style at Alberton” Exhibition On Until 18 April 2018 (HNZ Heritage This Month March 2018)

Ticking along in style at Alberton

Terry Sutcliffe (Image Sourced Heritage This Month March 2018)

Currently on display at Auckland’s Alberton as part of the ‘Collector’s Cabinet’ series, is a fascinating selection of clocks, watches, timepieces, watchmakers tools and other collectibles belonging to horologist and historian Terry Sutcliffe (pictured).

Part of a collection of over 100 items, usually on display in his living room and in a purpose-built private museum on his property, the selection dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, includes pocket watches with New Zealand inscribed dials, military and railway watches, stands, cases, keys and intricate tools.  A marine chronometer salvaged from one of Auckland’s best-known shipwrecks, the SS Wiltshire – the steamship that hit rocks on Great Barrier Island in May 1922 – also features.

“You never have a full collection – there’s always more to find,” says Terry.  Currently researching early watch making and retailing in New Zealand, Terry is keen to hear from members of the public with any connections to this industry and is seeking timepieces, branded watch keys, boxes, old shop signage, business cards, photographs and papers to trace this history.

To learn more about the collection come to a talk on Sunday 4 March at 1.30pm. This will be an informal chat followed by a Q&A and tea.  Bring along your own timepiece for appraisal and share its story.

Free with entry (adults $10, children and Heritage New Zealand members free).  No booking required.

Terry’s clocks will be on display until 18 April 2018.

“Support Auckland’s art community and Heritage New Zealand!”: exhibition at the Railway Street Gallery in Newmarket, Auckland, opens on 15 March and runs until 3 April. (HNZ Media Release)

Support Auckland's art community and Heritage New Zealand!

An exhibition of paintings by prominent artists with an interest in the protection and restoration of Auckland buildings and beyond is commencing soon at Railway St Studios in Auckland, with a percentage of the sales of the works going to support Heritage New Zealand’s work.

Four Auckland-based artists are concerned about the protection and documentation of our heritage. This art exhibition highlights cherished icons such as Rangitoto baches, the Esplanade Hotel, St Mary’s Bay villas, trams and cottages at Motat, to name a few.

"The images in this exhibition show something of this precarious and often threatened heritage," says artist David Barker.

"These works become part of a valuable inventory, described with great care. In them lies an archival documentation worth retaining as it touches us all, however brief our history.  What better way to capture the essence of our past and preserve it for future generations.”

The Past and Present exhibition and its core theme of protecting heritage is a great fit for Heritage New Zealand and it is pleased to get behind it.

"Any financial support that comes from the exhibition will help Heritage New Zealand to protect this country’s unique heritage and historic places,” says Heritage New Zealand's Manager of Asset Funding, Brendon Veale.

Featured artists are David Barker, John Horner, Graham Downs and Murray Dewhurst.

The exhibition at the Railway Street Gallery in Newmarket, Auckland, opens on 15 March and runs until 3 April.  For more information please click here.

Tohu Whenua “Name change better reflects programme meaning” (Heritage New Zeland Renames Landmarks Whenua Tohunga)

 

 

 

6 November2018

Name change better reflects programme meaning

 Tohu Whenua is the new name for a successful programme identifying and celebrating the significant historic and cultural places of Aotearoa.

“Tohu Whenua better reflects the programme’s increasingly national focus and meaning, replacing the original Landmarks Whenua Tohunga pilot name,” says Programme Manager Denise Stephens.

“Tohu Whenua acknowledges memories of the land, marking places made significant by our forebears and telling their stories.

“The initial pilot programme in Northland launched in late 2016 shows there is considerable pride taken by the selected sites, and this has been repeated in the second pilot programme launched in Otago in December 2017.

“Tohu Whenua is a better fit now that the programme has increased certainty as a nationwide marker of our heritage and history.

“We needed a name that was more appropriate than the original meaning of tohunga which can translate to one skilled in signs and marks.

“Now’s the right time to make the name change as the programme gathers momentum and we increase the promotion and appreciation of the Tohu Whenua.

“New Zealanders and international tourists are identifying and visiting these places, which is fantastic not only for the place, but also for the regional economy,” Denise Stephens says.

The name change coincides with the South Island’s West Coast selection as the third Tohu Whenua region, with a formal launch of chosen sites timed for early December 2018. A site selection process is being worked through.

“The West Coast is rich in history and heritage.  Early Māori sites, industrial sites reflecting the gold and coal mining activities, and other special buildings and places have made the selection process challenging, but enjoyable,” says Denise Stephens.

The programme, established in 2015, is delivered in partnership by Department of Conservation, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage. These agencies were joined by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment this year.

Ends (more…)

“Sad passing of heritage stalwart” Pam Wilson (2 March 1937 – 11 February 2018) [“Heritage This Month March 2018”]

"Sad passing of heritage stalwart" Pam Wilson (2 March 1937 - 11 February 2018)

Pam Wilson began work for the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT, now Heritage New Zealand) after being on the branch committee for some years in the early 1980s.  She worked on the Women’s/Promotions Committee, focusing on advocacy for heritage conservation, raising money to help with projects and elevating the profile of the organisation generally, including gaining more members.  In January 1989 Pam began work as the NZHPT Regional Officer for Canterbury, based first in a tiny office in what was then the Peterborough Centre, administered by the Arts Centre.  The office moved for a short time into the Cranmer Centre and then to the former Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings.  Gradually other staff joined Pam and, with her leadership, the team made huge strides in the recognition and protection of a wealth of historic places throughout Canterbury and the West Coast.

Pam was instrumental in saving many historic places in Canterbury and the West Coast, including the Nurses' Memorial Chapel and the Edmunds Factory Gardens.  She sat on many trusts, including the Riccarton House and Bush Trust and the Ngaio Marsh House and Heritage Trust, and was on 'cup of tea and biscuit' status with all of the Category 1 owners of Canterbury's large homesteads.  She was also a very astute negotiator and would front to developers and tell them how important historic places were.

By the time of her retirement in 2007, Pam’s office had been in the NZHPT offices in Gough House on Hereford Street.  Practically every file we open in the Christchurch office has her handwriting or other mark of her involvement, and even after she officially retired, she helped with work on research and registrations, such as the Kate Sheppard House in Ilam.  Like the rest of us, she was devastated about the loss of so much heritage in the Canterbury quakes of 2010 and 2011, but rejoiced in what has been able to be saved.

Pam was an absolute legend and her deep knowledge, kind and gentle manner, curiosity and dedication is widely recognised, both within Heritage New Zealand and in the wider community.  In 2007 she received two distinguished awards – the Christchurch City Council’s Civic Award and the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to heritage conservation.

Robyn Burgess, Heritage New Zealand

Historic Places Canterbury was saddened to learn of Pam Wilson's passing.

Robyn Burgess and Heritage New Zealand has generously given us permission to post the Tribute to Pam Wilson that appeared in  Heritage This Month March 2018.

Historic Places Canterbury In the Press: “Bringing life back into quake-damaged heritage buildings a tough task”- The Press Online

Bringing life back into quake-damaged heritage buildings a tough task- the Press Online.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/108195217/bringing-life-back-into-quakedamaged-heritage-buildings-a-tough-task

"...Historic Places Canterbury chairman Mark Gerrard believes the council is doing a good job with its damaged heritage, and is being "very thorough" with its tendering process.

He says the council benefits by having some "really good staff" who listen to the community and take pride in the buildings.

Some are of the sites are harder than others to find a use for, and some are better suited to community rather than commercial use, Gerrard says.

"They are very very special buildings. We are very happy that they are safe and they are going to be restored - the council is weighing up what is best for them and finding an appropriate use.

"Their value is not just the architecture, each one has its own individual stories, they are a reminder of people who have come before us," says Gerrard.

He believes Harry Ell, the naturalist whose vision established the Sign of the Takahe and Sign of the Kiwi as Port Hills rest stops, would approve of today's walkers and cyclists enjoying hospitality in the buildings.

"People need to be able to see them. They are our buildings, they are our gems, our treasures."