1 September 2004
Government catches heritage wave
Auckland City’s initiative to celebrate local heritage coincides with a national announcement of new standards for
heritage protection.
Auckland City’s Heritage Week, from 4 to 10 September, has over 40 local events designed to inspire and involve
Aucklanders in celebrating some of the city’s most treasured buildings and natural features.
“It is pleasing to see that on the eve of Heritage Week the government has also acknowledged the importance of
protecting our heritage,” says Councillor Juliet Yates, chairperson of Auckland City Council’s City Development
Committee
Yesterday the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage announced new standards for the care of national historic heritage,
and encouraged government departments to take the lead on maintaining historic features to international standards of
heritage conservation.
“For many years we have been concerned about preserving our historic public buildings, and encouraging conservation of
private buildings through advice and planning rules,“ says Mrs Yates.
Auckland City’s seven-strong team of heritage specialists protects heritage buildings and sites through application of
the district.
“Auckland City has co-ordinated Heritage Week with a number of local partners and hopes that the people of Auckland take
time to pay tribute to Auckland’s past during this week,” says Mrs Yates.
Highlights of the week include a hikoi, in association with Ngati Whatua, to celebrate the start of celebrations free
hop-on hop-off bus tour around six of Auckland’s significant heritage sites half-price cruises to Rangitoto free
screenings from the film archive. 'Auckland History: Sight and Sound' is four short films on trams, the opening of the
Auckland International Airport, the Crown Lynn Factory and the Farmers' Santa Parade. 'Auckland: An Ever Changing City'
is five short films on the opening of the Auckland Harbour bridge, expanding Auckland in 1960 and preserving Auckland's
cinemas free lecture on Victorian villas self-guided heritage walks Symonds Street cemetery guided tour.
Visit the Auckland City website for more information and booking details www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/heritage.
ENDS