Heritage funding tightened

Criteria for Waipā District Council’s Heritage Fund has been tightened to ensure the best possible value from the $70,000 annual spend.

The Heritage Fund was created by Council in 2012 to help support the protection, conservation and enhancement of Waipā’s historic buildings and structures, cultural and natural heritage. Grants have been made available since the 2013/14 financial year with more than $650,000 granted.

Last year the Heritage Advisory Sub-group requested criteria be reviewed, to make the process clearer for the applicants, staff and those assessing applications.

Changes approved today mean applications will only be considered for sites with a built or natural heritage listed by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, or those identified as heritage features in Waipā’s District Plan. Applications to support the restoration of native flora and fauna within the Waipā district will continue to be considered.

Funding can be used to assist with physical works for heritage buildings, objects, natural vegetation, habitats, cultural or archaeological sites. Funds may also be used to source specialist advice.

Councillors on the Heritage Advisory Sub-group are Roger Gordon, Lou Brown and Bruce Thomas. They have delegation and responsibility for assessing applications and allocating funding.

Funding applications for the next round close on June 30.

More information about the fund, including past recipients, is here.