Latest news with #HeritageNewZealandPouhereTaonga
Otago Daily Times
13 hours ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Tourism levy set to aid region
The South has won some money via the international visitor levy. Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka made some announcements yesterday about using levy funding to support conservation and tourism across the country. The levy was increased from $35 to $100 in October last year and Mr Potaka made announcements yesterday across various tourism sectors. Some of the money would come south to get on top of pest plants in Stewart Island/Rakiura, to expand Tohu Whenua experiences in Southland and improve facilities and the visitor experience at Milford Sound. The funding covers work over the next three years. Southland and Manawatū-Whanganui were the two areas targeted with a $4.5million investment to develop Tohu Whenua experience at places with unique cultural heritage will help create jobs and boost incomes in rural economies. Mr Potaka said sites which received Tohu Whenua status previously had had increases of up to 150% in visitation in their first year in the programme. Tohu Whenua is a partnership between Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and the Department of Conservation (Doc), with support from Te Puni Kōkiri, Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture & Heritage and MBIE. Tohu Whenua includes 39 sites. Many of these are in public conservation areas. Launched in 2016, the programme is successfully operating in four regions. Mr Potaka said $10m over the next three years would ensure popular mountains, parks and islands would remain beautiful for years to come. "Locations include Abel Tasman, Mt Cook, Tongariro, Stewart Island, Mackenzie Basin, Molesworth and Te Paki and North Cape near Cape Reinga. An extra $3m would go to the national wilding conifer control programme, led by Biosecurity New Zealand, for important control work in the Molesworth and Mackenzie Basin areas. A further $7.45m will go towards managing other significant weeds. "When it comes to tackling invasive weeds, taking early action is essential. IVL funding will also go towards the development and rollout of an innovative, smart software tool to detect weeds when they first invade." There will be $13.6m over three years to improve visitor planning and management at the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Milford Sound and Somes Island on Wellington's doorstep. "This investment ensures the conservation areas and facilities that attract tourists to our regions continues to deliver on its promise of stunning nature." There would also be $3.9m over two years to improve service and management of some of New Zealand's popular Great Walks and Doc campsites.
Scoop
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Exhibition With A Difference At Alberton
An exhibition with a difference will be unveiled at Alberton, the historic Mt Albert mansion cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, on August 10. Alberton - Impressions of an Art Group in Residence draws on the work of members of the Auckland Plein Art Group. The historic property - which earlier hosted the group of artists - is the focal point of the group's creative expression, with interior and exterior scenes of the landmark heritage building serving as subject for the artists. The Auckland Plein Air Group is the brainchild of Nicki Heenan and Amanda Gleason who started the group in the summer of 2023. "En plein air is an ethos of painting that follows on in the traditions of the French Impressionists and such English artists from the 1800s as Constable and Turner, who took their inspiration from nature and looked for new ways to communicate their ideas," says Nicki. "This was happening in the 1860s - much the same time as the construction of Alberton. There has been a huge revival in plein air painting in the past 10 years with festivals being held around the world." The Auckland Plein Air Group provides a welcoming social environment where people share ideas and provide support and encouragement to each other with the possibility of presenting their artwork to a wider audience through exhibitions and tutorials. The exhibition in Alberton's ballroom is an opportunity for people to come and appreciate the group's work. The artworks are also available for sale. "What these artists have produced is remarkable," says Alberton Property Lead Rendell McIntosh. "They have managed to create a range of images that capture Alberton's many different moods and angles. The paintings help us see Alberton through fresh eyes - even those of us who are very familiar with the building." For more information: - Alberton Impressions of an Art Group in Residence opens on August 10 and runs through to August 31. Entry to the exhibition in the Alberton Ballroom is free (donation appreciated). Standard entry fee applies to visit the rest of house. - Join us for a Quick Draw event on (Sunday August 31, 11am-1pm) where you can bring your own art materials and paint alongside the Auckland Plein Air Group members. The Quick Draw is a fundraising event with a suggested $5 koha. All ages, especially school age, welcome and there are special awards for young painters.
Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Category 1 status for church ‘great news'
Kakanui church owners Anna Miles and Michael Simpson (right), and their dog Pippa (left) on the doorstep of the category 1 historic place, and the interior (centre) of the restored former community church that still houses the original piano organ from 1901. PHOTO: JULES CHIN A preservation project has paid off for the dedicated efforts of the passionate owners of the Kakanui church that is now listed as a category 1 historic place with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. The former Kakanui Presbyterian Church, a modest Carpenter Gothic building designed by renowned Scottish-born Dunedin architect Robert Arthur Lawson, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years thanks to Waimate-based couple Michael Simpson and Anna Miles. The pair are ecstatic their restoration project has reached category 1 status after working on the former church since they bought it in 2019. "We are absolutely thrilled and delighted. It's great news," Mr Simpson said. Category 1 historic places are of special or outstanding historical or cultural significance or value. Ms Miles said the church and the area surrounding meant a lot to them and the Kakanui community. "It's just a special spot ... the river, the beach, this place. "So many people came in while we were working on the church and because it was already a notable building and the community had battled to try and save it and fundraise for it when the church still owned it," Mr Simpson said. Built in 1870, and once the spiritual heart of Kakanui, the timber church had weathered decades of change before its final service in November 2019 in the seaside town. Mr Simpson and Ms Miles, who attended the last service, said it was "emotional" and embodied the deep connection the Kakanui community had to the church. Since buying the property, the couple have steadily restored the structure, replacing sub-floor bearing joists, corner studs and weatherboards, improving drainage, restoring windows and repainting the interior. Their restoration has extended to the church's outbuildings — including the bible class hall added in 1933, two small buildings acquired in 1955 for the growing Sunday school and even a brownies den. They say they have kept the budget to a minimum by working with original materials "to minimise waste" as much as possible. They have also strived to keep original details such as original boarding and the iron straps added to the building in 1884 to stop the church from "getting battered by northwest winds", Mr Simpson said. Mr Simpson, a carpenter with heritage expertise, and Ms Miles, equally hands-on, saw the church as more than just a building and have brought it back to life with community events including a night market and musical gigs, Christmas carols and even a friend's wedding. "We'd seen so much loss of heritage and we knew we could work to preserve it ... we see ourselves as stewards of the building". Mr Lawson (1833-1902), the church's architect, is well known for many of Oamaru's classical buildings including the National Bank, the Bank of New South Wales and the Star and Garter Hotel. Mr Simpson said it was "was super exciting" when they got the listing "to get a stab" at preserving the history of the church. The couple said initial meetings with Waitaki District Council building advisers and engagement with Heritage New Zealand had been "fantastic". "The building advisers were so receptive to our ideas ... and Heritage New Zealand assessment adviser Alison Brees who came up and then did a report on it, it was so comprehensive and she was learning, so much," Mr Simpson said. "She was doing all the research on the social history of Kakanui and what it was a symbol of," Ms Miles said. After various project ideas the couple opted to stick to the "essence" of the original design of the building. They have also made some interesting discoveries throughout the restoration of the 154-year-old church including Roman numerals etched into wood behind some of the boards. "Because this was kit-set, likely built off-site or pre-assembled offsite. "An intern at Heritage NZ also discovered through old photos that the bent and forked roof was actually for the rope that went up to the bell on the bell tower," Mr Simpson said. Making the commute from Waimate at any chance they get, they describe the restoration as their "hobby", but the project has taken on new meaning for them as it has progressed. "We saw it as a building project on day one, but it just keeps turning into something else — having events in the church, and restoring it as well as we can, means that it should have a life beyond us, and that's what we want." Mr Simpson said. Originally designed to seat 100 worshippers, the church was constructed in just three months during a period of ambitious development. Hopes were high that the newly built port would turn the coastal settlement into a major export hub. While those dreams faded, the church remained a part of the community's life for nearly 150 years. The couple say they have had "so much fun" restoring the former church and have been grateful not to have a set deadline to be able to enjoy the process at their own pace. Ms Miles said the wider community outreach and public submissions in support of the building to achieve a category 1 historic place had been immense. "All these people submitted saying they thought it was a great idea. They all got involved; it was amazing," she said. Mr Simpson said they were told it was a "recent record" for the number of submissions they received. The couple plan to continue restoration of the church and to celebrate its new-found heritage status with an open day event "to welcome all" in spring. "If we have a gin at the end of the day sitting in here and looking at the ceiling and thinking how lovely it is, well, what else could you want?" Mr Simpson said.
Otago Daily Times
17-07-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Historic building given new life
A small wooden church built in 1870 with hopes of serving a booming port town has found new life in the 21st century thanks to the dedicated efforts of two passionate owners. The former Kakanui Presbyterian church, a modest Carpenter Gothic building designed by renowned Scottish-born Dunedin architect Robert Arthur Lawson, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Once the spiritual heart of Kakanui, the timber church had weathered decades of change before its final service in November 2019. Designed to seat 100 worshippers, the church was constructed in just three months during a period of ambitious development. Hopes were high that the newly built port would turn the coastal settlement into a major export hub. While those dreams faded, the church remained a part of the community's life for nearly 150 years. When Michael Simpson and Anna Miles first saw the church listed for sale, it was the building's historical and architectural significance that drew them in. "We like that it's Robert Lawson's smallest, most modest surviving building," Mr Simpson said. Mr Simpson, a carpenter with heritage expertise, and Ms Miles, equally hands-on, saw the church as more than just a building. "We never had a particular plan except to restore it. There was no timeframe, no budget — and that's why it's been such a pleasure," Mr Simpson said. Since buying the property in 2019, the couple have steadily restored the structure, replacing sub-floor bearing joists, corner studs and weatherboards, improving drainage, restoring windows and repainting the interior. Their restoration has extended to the church's outbuildings — including the bible class hall added in 1933, two small buildings acquired in 1955 for the growing Sunday School and even a Brownies den. Ms Miles said the emotional connections uncovered during the restoration had made the project even more meaningful. "The more we've got to know the building, the more we've realised it's a special space that means a lot to a lot of other people. "We see ourselves as stewards of the building." Keeping the church's doors open has become part of the couple's philosophy. Visitors frequently drop in to share stories and memories or simply admire the restored space. Since 2019, the church has hosted weddings, musical performances, art exhibitions and carol services. Mr Simpson said it did not need to be a commercial space. "But we've realised it should have a life of its own and a reason to exist. We get quite emotional seeing all the life in the building." Now a listed category 1 historic place with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, the church has received official recognition of its architectural and social significance. — APL
Otago Daily Times
17-07-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Historic building given new life Historic building given new life
A small wooden church built in 1870 with hopes of serving a booming port town has found new life in the 21st century thanks to the dedicated efforts of two passionate owners. The former Kakanui Presbyterian church, a modest Carpenter Gothic building designed by renowned Scottish-born Dunedin architect Robert Arthur Lawson, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Once the spiritual heart of Kakanui, the timber church had weathered decades of change before its final service in November 2019. Designed to seat 100 worshippers, the church was constructed in just three months during a period of ambitious development. Hopes were high that the newly built port would turn the coastal settlement into a major export hub. While those dreams faded, the church remained a part of the community's life for nearly 150 years. When Michael Simpson and Anna Miles first saw the church listed for sale, it was the building's historical and architectural significance that drew them in. "We like that it's Robert Lawson's smallest, most modest surviving building," Mr Simpson said. Mr Simpson, a carpenter with heritage expertise, and Ms Miles, equally hands-on, saw the church as more than just a building. "We never had a particular plan except to restore it. There was no timeframe, no budget — and that's why it's been such a pleasure," Mr Simpson said. Since buying the property in 2019, the couple have steadily restored the structure, replacing sub-floor bearing joists, corner studs and weatherboards, improving drainage, restoring windows and repainting the interior. Their restoration has extended to the church's outbuildings — including the bible class hall added in 1933, two small buildings acquired in 1955 for the growing Sunday School and even a Brownies den. Ms Miles said the emotional connections uncovered during the restoration had made the project even more meaningful. "The more we've got to know the building, the more we've realised it's a special space that means a lot to a lot of other people. "We see ourselves as stewards of the building." Keeping the church's doors open has become part of the couple's philosophy. Visitors frequently drop in to share stories and memories or simply admire the restored space. Since 2019, the church has hosted weddings, musical performances, art exhibitions and carol services. Mr Simpson said it did not need to be a commercial space. "But we've realised it should have a life of its own and a reason to exist. We get quite emotional seeing all the life in the building." Now a listed category 1 historic place with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, the church has received official recognition of its architectural and social significance. — APL
