25 May 2020

Up to $70m for upgrades of marae, town halls, Pasifika churches and war memorials. The funding is expected to create hundreds of jobs throughout the country.

“Renovating these buildings will provide work for local tradies and contractors while regular building and repair work is on hold. It is an opportunity to target Māori, Pasifika and other vulnerable workers who are not able to secure contracts through more substantial infrastructure projects. Funding of $70m will cover salaries and construction costs for these projects,” Shane Jones said.

According to the Ministry of Culture and Heritage web site under the posting:

"Budget 2020: Regenerating The Arts, Culture and Heritage Sector"

The following was found:

• $3.1 million to Heritage EQUIP to support seismic strengthening of heritage buildings
• $6 million to address Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga cost pressures
• $250,000 to investigate the seismic upgrade and refurbishment of Turnbull House.

Mātauranga Māori

• $20 million over two years for mātauranga Māori initiatives to support iwi, hapū, whānau and Māori communities with projects that will protect their mātauranga and taonga from the impact and ongoing threat of COVID-19.

Discussions to refine the details of the funding will take place with participating agencies, iwi and Māori communities post-budget. Final details on how to access funding will be available in September 2020.

1st June 2020

Budget 2020 funding allocations a huge boost Heritage New Zealand Media Release

(HNZ) "receives $11.364 million in support to recover from the impact of COVID-19.  This total includes the $6 million allocation announced in the Budget on 14 May to help ease financial pressures arising from increased insurance, information technology, property management, accommodation and staffing costs, and prepare a business case for the seismic upgrade and refurbishment of the Category 1 listed Turnbull House in Wellington.

Note: 7 April 2020

Historic Places Aotearoa Welcomes Government Tax Changes- HPA Media Release

https://historicplacesaotearoa.org.nz/historic-places-aotearoa-welcomes-government-tax-changes-historic-places-aotearoa-media-release-april-2020/

Historic Places Aotearoa (HPA) applauds the Government for including depreciation of earthquake strengthening in its COVID-19 stimulation packages, and providing real incentives for commercial heritage building owners.

"The depreciation rate of two percent diminishing value is a good first step. We are looking forward to the Government's new heritage initiatives.