Tag: James Blackburne

“Heritage views to be aired at Historic Places Aotearoa AGM” HPA Media Release (26.10.2016)

hpa-logo-purpleHeritage 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.” (more…)

“Historic Places Aotearoa urges halt to imminent demolition of Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre” Historic Places Aotearoa Media Release (23.08.2016)

hpa-logo-purpleHistoric Places Aotearoa says Department of Conservation Deputy Director-General Mervyn English must immediately reconsider the planned demolition of the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre.

“The visitor centre is a significant part of New Zealand’s modern architectural legacy, listed by Heritage New Zealand as a Category One Historic Place, and a place of outstanding cultural value to New Zealand,” Mr Blackburne, who also chairs Historic Places Tairawhiti Inc, said this morning.

The Media Release is as follows: (more…)

The Heritage of Sport – World Heritage Day Monday 18th April (2016) James Blackburne President HPA Media Statement

Celebrating New Zealand’s Sporting Heritage

Communities around the country are being asked to consider important sport sites and events that took place in their regions as part of celebrating World Heritage Day next Monday 18th  April.

With a focus this year on the Heritage of Sport, Historic Places Aotearoa and its Membership Organisations asks locals to consider which sports site or ground they would like to keep as part of their, and New Zealand’s, sporting heritage.

Historic Places Aotearoa President James Blackburne says that with sport a big part of life for most Kiwis, World Heritage Day is a great chance to celebrate our great sporting achievements and the heritage of the grounds where it all happened.

“We know Kiwis love to discuss sport. We can keep our sporting heritage alive by debating and recognising those sports grounds and stadiums where an outstanding sports achievement became our collective history."

“For World Heritage Day next Monday, Historic Places Aotearoa  urges local media to ask the community – including the mayor, councillors, sports journalists and sports commentators – to nominate a sports ground worth preserving and tell us what special sporting achievement occurred there.”
James Blackburne President Historic Places Aotearoa