Mayor and Councillors to consider National Historic Landmark status

Published on 28 April 2025

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At tomorrow’s meeting of the Waitaki District Council, the Mayor and Councillors will consider approving the next step in the Ōamaru Historic Town Centre and Port National Historic Landmark proposal.

A report going before Council recommends consenting to National Historic Landmark status for Ōamaru Historic Town Centre and Port.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga (HNZPT) currently have one National Historic Landmark site in New Zealand, the Te Pitowhenua/Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Waitangi, Northland. The status is granted to sites of exceptional national significance.

Ōamaru Historic Town Centre and Port is one of two further proposed landmarks, with the other being the National War Memorial in Wellington.

Dr Mark Smith, Waitaki District Council’s Heritage Advisor, says: “Becoming one of only a handful of National Historic Landmark sites in the country would recognise the work many Waitakians have put into the preservation of Ōamaru’s distinct heritage over many years. This is an opportunity to secure greater recognition and potentially more resources for our District. By supporting this, Council will be endorsing and promoting the recognition of the nationally significant heritage values of the Ōamaru Historic Town Centre and Port throughout our whole country.”

The next stages would involve completing collection of all parties on relevant titles, and a nation-wide public consultation following approval by HNZPT’s board.

ENDS

 

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