Community called on to nominate heritage places
Published on 29 June 2023
The Whanganui community now has an opportunity to nominate places of heritage significance that they would like to be considered for future inclusion on the council's heritage inventory.
The inventory lists significant heritage places in Whanganui district, and encompasses buildings, sites, and structures.
Whanganui District Council’s heritage advisor Scott Flutey wants to hear from the community. He says, "There may be a specific building, a special space of land, a monument, or a structure that holds archaeological, architectural, cultural, historical, scientific, or technical significance to our community – this is one way we can affirm and support heritage aspirations in the district.
“This nomination process will help direct our work reviewing the District Plan’s historic heritage chapter and highlight community perspectives and priorities for better protecting, supporting and celebrating Whanganui heritage places.”
Any person or group may nominate a site and all nominations will receive an initial appraisal. If a nomination clearly identifies heritage values at a place, and the community to which it is valued, then an evaluation and recommendations for scheduling will go ahead.
"Scheduling refers to the process of adding a site to the District Plan. By scheduling a site or granting it heritage status, we ensure its correct management and protection," says Scott Flutey.
Under the Resource Management Act, it is the council's responsibility to ensure the sustainable management of historic heritage. This is typically accomplished by listing identified places on the District Plan and establishing rules and guidelines.
"We want to align our historic heritage chapter with the direction of the Natural and Built Environment Bill that’s currently progressing through parliament," says Scott Flutey.
“Our community will be familiar with some of the well-known sites that have already received heritage listing. These include the Durie Hill Memorial Tower, Upokongaro Store, Spriggens Park gates, Central City Pharmacy, and the Wanganui Commercial Club, to name a few. It is also worth noting that private houses can be scheduled as well.”
Deputy Mayor, Helen Craig, says that while there are many places already listed, the council is looking for additional sites for consideration. She says it’s important to understand what it means once a site or structure is listed. “Some protection is provided and listings have access to support, such as funding from Heritage NZ or the council’s Heritage Grant Fund. These grants can be extremely helpful in going towards such things as strengthening or upkeep. There are also some requirements that come along with alterations once a site is added to the heritage inventory, in order to retain and celebrate the heritage values.”
Whanganui has a strong history of valuing heritage. In the council's 2020 survey on heritage in Whanganui district, local histories, narratives, and communicating a sense of place were identified as key intangible aspects of heritage.
As work on updating the historic heritage chapter gets underway, the council will continue to engage with stakeholders across the community, ensuring local voices are heard and perspectives respected.
Further information on the heritage site nomination process here.
Scott Flutey says the council has organised drop-in sessions throughout the community nomination period, to provide an in-person opportunity to gather nominations and answer questions. These will take place:
- Friday, 30 June from 1.00pm-3.00pm at Whanganui District Council
- Thursday 13 July from 1.00pm-3.00pm at Alexander Heritage and Research Library
- Monday 24 July from 10.30am-12 noon at Gonville Library
- Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August at the Whanganui Home & Lifestyle Show, Jubilee Stadium.
Scott Flutey will also be available for appointments, contact him via email Scott.Flutey@whanganui.govt.nz or calling 06 349 3168.
The nomination period will be open until 5.00pm Sunday, 27 August 2023.