Heritage priorities clear Strategic approach

A review of how the Trust funds the heritage sector has resulted in a more strategic approach to our support for projects and organisations.

TrustLine newsletter, March 2010

We support projects and organisations that preserve and promote the physical and cultural heritage of our region. In the past five years  grants worth more than $11m have been distributed to this sector.
“The Trust has always been a strong supporter of the heritage sector, including high-profile projects such as the Auckland Museum redevelopment or protection of the Stone Store in Kerikeri,” says Heritage Grants Advisor Catherine George. “However, a lot of that support has been at the local level, helping people protect and promote the rich history of our region.”
After broad consultation and research, we know that the projects we’ve funded in the past are a good fit with our objectives. Moving forward, we have decided to focus funding on two broad areas: physical and cultural heritage.
Physical heritage projects include the conservation and restoration of historic buildings, archaeological sites, wāhi tapu and large items of historical significance, helping ensure they are preserved for future generations.  
Recent funding examples include fire protection of Kerikeri’s St James Anglican Church, restoration of the Wagener Homestead in the Far North and restoration of the Toroa ferry in Auckland.
“Before applying, Trustees do ask that you have a conservation plan in place, or a condition report prepared by a conservation architect. That helps Trustees understand the significance of your project and understand how urgent the work is,” Catherine says.
Cultural heritage projects are for the conservation, protection and promotion of heritage. They are often based around museums, historical societies, marae or other cultural organisations.
We want to assist in promoting professional standards in the sector. We encourage groups to become involved with the National Services Te Paerangi New Zealand Museums Standards Scheme Ngā Kaupapa Whaimana a Ngā Whare Taonga o Aotearoa.
Funding in this area includes building developments, such as museums and archives.  Trust grants have ranged from the big Auckland Museum redevelopment to the Northland Vintage Machinery Club.
The Trust also helps with museum
collection care and management, including database projects, digitisation, professional support and planning.
Funding examples include Albertland and District Museum’s project to digitise a
photograph collection and Huia Museum’s database project.
Examples of exhibitions and interpretation projects include grants for a fit-out of the Rugby League Museum and the Treaty2U Treaty of Waitangi road-show.
The whole region has enjoyed the Treaty2U road show. It’s taken the story of New Zealand’s founding treaty to schools and communities throughout Auckland and Northland.
History and research projects are also funded – for example, a Trust grant helped Coconut Free Press record the oral histories of two women involved in the peace movement.
So if you’re involved in a heritage project and you’re looking for community funding, please tell us what you’re planning.
Our staff will work with you to find out if the Trust is able to help.