High hopes and paper lies: heritage protection in Nelson, New Zealand

Abstract eng:
New Zealand’s statutory heritage protection is delivered through the Historic Places Act 1993 and the Resource Management Act 1991. The latter’s purpose is the sustainable management of biophysical resources, including historic heritage considered a matter of national importance since 2003. Under this Act territorial local authorities are responsible for recognising and protecting historic heritage and ostensibly have the status and powers to do so Protection is delivered through policy statements, plans, heritage orders (legal enforcement notices) and non-statutory instruments. This paper explores the implementation of this framework through a case study investigation of Nelson, New Zealand’s second oldest city, renowned today as a sunny cultural tourist destination. In particular, it looks at the significant historic heritage dating from the city’s colonial era and asks how effective the legislation and city governance are at conserving and protecting it for current and future generations. Issues include public and private capacities and responsibilities, code compliance, community support and resilience, and the competing attraction and requirements of emerging cultural initiatives.

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