By Andrew Ashton. RECIPIENT: The National Tobacco building in Napier. PHOTO / FILE. A_HBT16370105.JPG
Owners of heritage-listed building in Hawke's Bay are urged to apply for government funds to pay for expensive earthquake-strengthening work.
Almost a year after the Ministry for Culture and Heritage launched its $12 million Heritage EQUIP fund, only $192,253 has been allocated to building owners in Hawke's Bay - and all of that in Napier.
With $8.9m still remaining in the fund, Heritage EQUIP and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage are looking for more applications from regional New Zealand.
Heritage EQUIP expert advisory panel chairman Matthew Kidson says some of the country's most unique heritage can be found in regional New Zealand.
"There are some stunning heritage buildings in the Hawke's Bay area but as we know, many need earthquake strengthening. These buildings are part of the culture and character of Hawke's Bay, we want to keep them around for a long time yet.
"Heritage building owners face challenges with seismic work such as accessing the right technical advice and skilled building contractors, along with securing sufficient funding. Heritage EQUIP is designed to help address these issues.
"We've received funding applications from projects in many regions throughout New Zealand, but still have a lot more capacity to strengthen some of our heritage buildings right across the country," says Kidson.
The Hawke's Bay area is no stranger to Heritage EQUIP with Napier's Gallate's Building, Mid City Plaza and the iconic National Tobacco Company Building being recipients of the fund.
Funding rounds are held three times a year and applications are assessed by a panel of experts including architects, structural engineers and heritage specialists. The next funding round closes late March and will be followed by a funding round closing late July.
Owners of heritage buildings can learn more about the funding application process on the Heritage EQUIP website.
$192,253 for the Hawkes Bay area – specifically Napier. You can see the full list here: http://heritageequip.govt.nz/funding-your-project/heritage-equip-funding/funded-projects