4 April 2004
Best practice approach for heritage properties
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Helen Clark today announced the introduction of a “best practice” approach to
the management of heritage properties owned by government departments.
“It is important that the government is seen to lead by example in the way it cares for its heritage,” Helen Clark said.
“Government departments have in their care a large number of heritage places and properties ranging from courthouses and
police stations to archaeological sites which are recognised as having heritage significance to communities around New
Zealand.”
“It is important for us and for future generations that government departments maintain these properties to a suitable
standard and ensure that their decisions about disposal or future use of the properties take into account their heritage
values.”
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage will be overseeing the development of a policy for the implementation of best
practice. It expects to report back by the end of July 2004. The Ministry will then work alongside each department which
holds heritage properties to develop guidelines and standards for their management, tailored to the department’s
functional needs.
“There are many highly successful examples of heritage conservation projects that have been undertaken by both private
and public property owners. The publicly-owned Old Government Buildings, now used by the Law School of Victoria
University of Wellington, stand as evidence of the interest and pride we take in our nation’s past.”
“There are exciting opportunities to enhance the way that we care for our heritage places. I hope that this
demonstration of government’s commitment to its heritage properties will encourage other owners to adopt similar
approaches,” Helen Clark said.
ENDS