Thanks to Far North District Council who have listed the full application
for the proposed visitors centre and convention facility at Waitangi on-line
for people around the country to look at in detail. Far North District's
website is www.fndc.govt.nz
View the full application including location maps and diagrams for the
proposed building here
Waitangi development to impact heritage
New Zealand Historic Places Trust Information Release
20 March 2008
An application to build an intrusive new Visitor Centre and Convention
facility a stone's throw from the historic Waitangi Treaty House and Whare
Runanga has alarmed the New Zealand Historic Places Trust - the country's
lead heritage agency.
The proposed development was notified by Far North District Council on
March 5, and the public has until April 4 to make submissions on the proposed
facility. (The Waitangi Treaty House and grounds is administered by the
Waitangi National Trust).
"The New Zealand Historic Places Trust is very concerned that a
structure of this size is being proposed in the most significant historic
place in New Zealand. It would be very close to the iconic Treaty House,
flagstaff and whare runanga built for New Zealand's centenary," says
the New Zealand Historic Places Trust's General Manager Northern, Sherry
Reynolds.
"We have already indicated to Far North District Council that we
are unhappy with the location of the proposed building - which will dominate
Waitangi's richly significant heritage landscape - as well as views of
Waitangi from Russell, Paihia and many other parts of the Bay of Islands."
The New Zealand Historic Places Trust is in the process of preparing
a submission opposing the proposed development, and is urging New Zealanders
from throughout the country to express their opinions on the proposed
building through the submission process.
"This is not just a Northland issue. Waitangi is a place that is
special to all New Zealanders. It is one of the country's most significant
heritage landscapes, and the place of our national origins. We want to
draw people's attention to the proposed development, and encourage them
to have their say - urgently," says Ms Reynolds.
"The clock is ticking, and we feel strongly that people need to
express their views through the submission process as soon as possible."
The New Zealand Government recently included the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
in its Tentative List for nomination as a World Heritage Site, though
the scale and location of the proposed development may place its potential
future World Heritage status in jeopardy.
"We fully accept that the Waitangi National Trust needs to generate
income, and that a visitors centre and convention facility would help
achieve this - but why here?" says Ms Reynolds.
"This is one of the most important, intact and sensitive heritage
landscapes in the country - it's certainly no place for a dominant structure
like this. I'm sure there are other places within the Waitangi estate
that would make excellent alternative sites for this building without
having the same impact on the heritage landscape and the wider Bay of
Islands."
People wanting to make a submission on the proposed development at Waitangi
online can log onto www.fndc.govt.nz/consultation/submissionform.asp.
Look under "Making Submissions" for an online form, or
versions inrtf, Word and pdf formats.
The public notification notice for the proposed development can be found
on the Far North District Council website, www.fndc.govt.nz.
People wanting to make a submission on the proposed development
at Waitangi online can log onto www.fndc.govt.nz/consultation/submissionform.asp
Look under "Making Submissions" for an online form, or versions
in rtf, Word and pdf formats.
The public notification notice for the proposed development can be found
on the Far North District Council website, www.fndc.govt.nz.
General advice on submissions
1. HPT has prepared a formal submission
but individual responses are encouraged.
2. The submissions need to be sent directly as indicated on the Far
North District Council's website (www.fndc.govt.nz).
3. Only matters that are relevant to the application proposal should
be included, otherwise they will most likely be discounted at the Hearing.
4. Subjects that are relevant to the Historic Places Trust's submission
on this application are:
The proximity to heritage buildings and the level of impact (harm)
to their setting.
The effects on heritage (historical landscape) including views
into and out from the Treaty Grounds.
The effects on heritage and cultural values of the tangata whenua.
The visual impact (design, bulk, size, height and position) of the
proposal.
Traffic effects (in and leading up to the site).
Lighting and signage.
The appropriateness of coastal development.
The physical effects of construction and continued operation of
traffic in close proximity to the historic buildings.
The possible effects on a proposed World Heritage Site.
Best practice guidance from the New Zealand Historic Places Trust,
the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the ICOMOS
New Zealand Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Heritage
Value, and others.
5. For a more in-depth submission, an individual should study the rules
and objectives in the Council's District Plan, and any Coastal or Regional
Policies. Section 6 of the Resource Management Act also lists matters
of National Importance, including Heritage.
6. Submitters should ensure they state the reference number [RC
2080381] when they send their work in and also make it clear whether
or not they wish to stand up and be heard at the formal Hearing (either
individually or in groups of like-minded people). They should also make
it very clear whether they oppose or support the proposal and if they
oppose, the relief sought (ie whether it should be declined or include
conditions).
