Heritage planners forum talks future of our past

Published on 13 November 2025

Two day forum brings together wide range of heritage focused professionals.

Last week saw Waitaki host the New Zealand Local Government Heritage Planners Forum 2025, a two-day forum bringing together scholars, developers, urban designers, engineers, local and central government, and legal professionals.

With Ōamaru’s Historic Port and Town Centre currently out for consultation on becoming New Zealand’s third National Historic Landmark after the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the War Memorial Pukeahu, it was an ideal location for those who work to make the most of our heritage buildings, but also wider heritage considerations.

Waitaki District Mayor Melanie Tavendale and Waitaki District Council’s Chief Executive Alex Parmley opened the forum and welcomed attendees to the District.

Mayor Tavendale was pleased to hold the forum in Ōamaru noting it is the perfect location to bring together a range of expertise, “Balance is important, we must honour our heritage, but also make sure that we don’t stifle progress in the process. We know how special our town, and District is, and we believe National Historic Landmark status offers some much deserved recognition of this. By sharing the successes and ideas from across the country – we can look ahead while valuing our past”

Attendees heard about the mana whenua perspective on Ōamaru’s Historic Precinct from Te Rūnanga o Moeraki’s Chair Trevor McGlinchey, were updated on the progress of the National Historic Landmarks Programme by Alison Breese of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and received updates on current and proposed legislative changes including the reform and replacement of the Resource Management Act.

There were also case studies from Palmerston North, Queenstown and Dunedin exploring possible ways forward to making the most of heritage buildings while retaining their character and importance to New Zealand’s heritage.

This event was principally sponsored by Anderson Lloyd, with grateful thanks to SLR Consulting, WSP Engineering, Resene Paints and Resene Construction Systems, Valli Wines, The New Zealand Whisky Collection, Mitre 10 MEGA Ōamaru and the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark.

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz