Extra funding in the 2018 Budget delights Heritage New Zealand – the item below is from their monthly email newsletter:

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is delighted with the allocation of an extra $6.3 million over four years announced in the Coalition Government’s budget on 17 May.Prime Minister and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Jacinda Ardern said the new funding, on top of current operating funding of $13 million per year, will assist in processing archaeological authority applications, protecting built heritage (including advising on earthquake-prone buildings), and identifying and protecting sites of significance to Māori.

“As the Prime Minister said following this announcement, the value of heritage and its importance to our national identity is being recognised by more New Zealanders each year,” Heritage New Zealand commented following the announcement.

“Demand for our services has increased and we welcome that – it shows we are regarded as the country’s lead heritage agency as we continue to honour the past and inspire the future.  Our aim is to ensure present and future generations of New Zealanders appreciate their sense of place, identity and nationhood.”

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga continues to prioritise and celebrate our most significant places, build support by working with iwi, local authorities, volunteers, owners, members and communities, promote the vision of Tapuwae to conserve Māori heritage, and prioritise our advocacy with a focus on educating, promoting, advising and regulating.

“Achieving the best outcomes for heritage requires working alongside many groups.

“The funding allocation reflects very positively on the value of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga’s work and gives us increased ability to meet expectations of us.  We are delighted with the Government’s support of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.”