Heritage systems to change

A sweeping overhaul of New Zealand’s floundering heritage systems is being worked through after a report found major failures with the way heritage buildings were being protected, resulting in them being unnecessarily lost to development.

It comes in the face of increasing pressure for councils and Government to address the housing crisis.

The report, which was written three years ago but was released this month by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage via an Official Information Act request, found there were widely held concerns that heritage protection systems were ‘‘not fit-forpurpose’’ and the systemic failures were leading to preventable and permanent loss of heritage that was important to the country’s national identity.

It resulted in a programme to improve systems being created called Strengthening Heritage Protection, which is expected to change the way organisations like Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga work.

‘‘It is too early to say in detail what, if any, impacts there could be for authorities,’’ said the ministry’s deputy chief executive for Te Aka policy and sector performance, Emily Fabling.

The report found several factors were putting the heritage system under stress, including: the cost of preserving, managing and earthquake strengthening heritage buildings for owners; low incentives for people to invest in heritage; local councils being ‘‘ill-equipped’’ to help heritage owners manage properties; and good quality information and technical assistance being hard to obtain.

Formal mechanisms to prevent the loss of heritage buildings were ‘‘generally inoperative and seldom used’’; there was inadequate identification and protection of heritage buildings from the Government; and existing systems were ‘‘overly complex and difficult to engage with’’.

There was also ineffective funding and capability with councils; and the Government was ‘‘not leading by example’’ by identifying and protecting heritage buildings in its care.

Despite this, the heritage sector – filled with ‘‘active, passionate’’ people who cared deeply about heritage – felt that properly designed frameworks could successfully balance public interest with private property rights, and align with development imperatives and the critical need for housing.

The ministry was looking at provisions for a new national direction on heritage, including by reviewing current provisions, and exploring options for dealing with ‘‘demolition by neglect’’ issues.

The scope of the Strengthening Heritage Protection programme was initially limited to heritage buildings, but was extended to include ‘‘historic heritage’’, a broad term including Mā ori heritage such as wā hi tapu.

Fabling said the ministry was continuing work on the programme as part of wider reforms of the Resource Management Act taking place. The Government is replacing that act with three new pieces of legislation. The ministry adjusted its work on heritage to align with that reform.

Two of the new bills replacing the RMA would be introduced to Parliament next year.

Heritage New Zealand deputy chief executive for policy, strategy and corporate services Claire Craig said the Strengthening Heritage Protection programme was not advanced enough to predict changes, but the organisation was actively participating in it and advocating for enhanced protection of the country’s cultural heritage.