Today the Character Coalition, of which Civic Trust Auckland is a founding member, has filed an appeal in the High Court to the Unitary Plan decision to up zone many parts of the proposed Single House Zone without informing the residents. See  https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/dozens-appeals-launched-against-undemocratic-unrealistic-auckland-unitary-plan?post_id=1150662351693578_1150662561693557#_=_ See also the Character Coalition Facebook page...

See ” More Coming Events” on the home page for full details of the 2nd Winter Lecture for 2016. Devonport’s “Castle” has a fascinating history. Architect Geoff Richards will talk about the restoration and additions to the property, and owner Charmaine Barnett will be on hand to answer questions. Places...

A group of Christchurch citizens, including members of the Christchurch Civic Trust, have organised to save the notable trees of Christchurch.  So far they have saved over 900 and now need help to save more than an additional 2,000 trees, from which the Christchurch City Council wants to remove protection....

The Auckland Unitary Plan has finally been through the long submissions and hearings process, notwithstanding any judicial review or appeal.  CTA was involved right from the initial call for feedback to appearing at various hearings, and we also provided assistance to several individuals and a number of community groups. The...

On Saturday 11 June, a whole day of walks and lectures was organised to educate the public about the Ihumatao peninsula. Over 80 people were guided over the area, with commentary by archaeologist Dave Veart, geologist Bruce Hayward and others.  Congratulations to the organisers, including the SOUL group and Ilmars...

In this week’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list, George Farrant, Auckland Council’s Principal Heritage Advisor was awarded  Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to heritage preservation The New Zealand Herald described his career: George Farrant has been Principal Heritage Advisor since 2010 for the Auckland Council and...

A team effort by Auckland Council heritage staff and Steve Bielby, representing one of the owners of the St James Theatre development, is achieving a positive outcome for a mid-century art work. As a result of apartment development in Queen St, involving the demolition of the old Odeon and Regent...

CTA Board members Allan Matson, Audrey van Ryn and Helen Geary met yesterday with mayoral candidate Phil Goff. The purpose of the meeting was to brief potential mayor Phil Goff on the many issues and threats to heritage in Auckland, both due to the current Unitary Plan process and the...

A 1920s building in Sandringham Village was demolished last month, without any public input or notification, despite the building being subject to the council’s Historic Character heritage overlay. This is very disturbing and throws into doubt the effectiveness of the proposed heritage overlays in the Unitary Plan, which council touts...

Auckland 2040’s Richard Burton was interviewed recently by Bernard Hickey for the website Interest.co.nz. Bernard was a critic of the recent decision by Auckland councillors to reject the extra upzoning proposed by council staff. In this interview the issues are comprehensively discussed, and Bernard gives Richard Burton an opportunity to...