Let’s Protect Our Precious Local Heritage

“Voters tell me they like the fact that one of my seven commitments is ‘protecting our heritage’. Locals still refer to the demolition of the Coolangatta homestead at 464 Remuera Road. The 90-year-old landmark was reduced to rubble to make way for more apartments along the Remuera ridge,” says Cameron Brewer, councillor candidate for Auckland’s new Orakei ward.

“People are sick of the destruction of our built heritage as well as the low quality modern stuff.

“Across the Orakei ward there are some beautiful homes and some character-filled commercial buildings. It’s great that the likes of Mission Bay’s Garden Court Flats on Tamaki Drive and Mary Atkin Cottage on Kohimarama Road have now got Category B heritage protection.

“The attempt by the Hubbard council to protect all pre-1940 homes in the residential 2 zones such as Remuera, Kohimarama, and St Heliers was legally challenged. Mayor Banks worked a well-received compromise which has seen an assessment of properties. Owners were then sent maps showing whether their old homes now require a consent or not to be demolished.

“Such an assessment criteria is not an exact science, with some locals already worried that some beautiful old homes are now not protected against demolition or removal. Debates will continue over the heritage merit of some properties. Rest assured, if genuine precious local heritage is at risk, I will fight for it. That’s my commitment,” says Mr Brewer.

For Cameron Brewer’s other election commitments visit www.cameronbrewer.co.nz

ENDS

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