TREATING OUR HERITAGE WITH RESPECT

Heritage as a word has connotations of history, age, presence, and value. Heritage properties themselves sit easily within this definition, but there’s an additional word that should be added to discussions about heritage – responsibility. I’ve met people who tried to ignore this responsibility throughout my career, and the repercussions were severe, so be warned!

To find out if you could be subject to heritage requirements, it’s best to connect with local authorities. They are required to contribute to heritage protection under legislation, including the Resource Management Act, the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act, the Building Act, and the Local Government Act.

One of the most significant of the local requirements in Christchurch relates to Wahi Tapu or ‘sacred sites’. Many heritage places have local or special significance to Māori. These can include archaeological sites, burial sites, or places associated with traditional activities.

Being Māori, the very thought of a transgression in this matter would have me extremely concerned. Those who find themselves in these positions should stop, inform the council and the local Iwi, and wait till approval has been granted.

This leads me to the final word that should be used when we talk about heritage, and that is ‘respect’.