Heritage views to be aired at Historic Places Aotearoa AGM

Government policy on how the country’s heritage is protected and managed will be a hot topic at this weekend’s Historic Places Aotearoa’s annual general meeting in Hawke’s Bay.

Keynote speakers, Acting Civil Defence Minister Craig Foss and Labour’s arts, culture and heritage spokesperson Jacinda Ardern, will address various heritage issues. Mr Foss will deliver the speech for Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry, who is unable to attend.

Historic Places Aotearoa president James Blackburne is thrilled government and opposition representatives will speak at the Historic Places Hawke’s Bay-hosted event.

“This country’s heritage is a significant part of New Zealand’s legacy,” Mr Blackburne said. “Government policy on how it is protected and managed is of huge interest. We invite the public to attend these keynote speeches at the MTG Century Theatre, starting at 12:30pm.”

Historic Places Aotearoa is the voice of heritage for New Zealand.

Mr Blackburne, who also chairs Historic Places Tairawhiti Inc, believed Mr Foss’s speech would address several matters of interest to Hawke’s Bay people, including the National Historic Landmarks List and the recently announced Heritage Earthquake Upgrade Incentive Programme Fund.

“Ms Ardern took a strong interest in the recent Aniwaniwa debate, resulting in the demolition of the Department of Conservation building designed by Hawke’s Bay architect John Scott, and was a strong advocate within Parliament for the building’s retention. We look forward to hearing her party’s perspective on managing and protecting our heritage.

“Historic Places Aotearoa is looking forward to the weekend as it provides an opportunity for the country’s various heritage advocates to get together, share notes and stories and learn from each other.”

The weekend includes two tours of the area and a workshop for heritage advocates to consider the best ways to nationally coordinate national heritage issues.

“We are grateful to Historic Places Hawke’s Bay’s organising committee and look forward to learning more about the wonderful regional architecture.”

For further information, please contact James Blackburne, Historic Places Aotearoa President
0274 818 093; james@a44.co.nz