Trust Otago-Southland area manager Owen Graham said the group went into temporary recess following the sudden death of chairwoman Sharon Hinds last December.
"Sharon was an immensely dedicated and passionate advocate for historic heritage in Otago and particularly Central Otago," Mr Graham said.
A new committee was appointed recently with Kawarau Gorge resident David White as chairman, Kay Dundass (Naseby) the secretary, and Brian Croot (Clyde) treasurer.
Mr Graham was pleased there was support for the branch to continue.
"Living in Central Otago, it might be an easy matter to take for granted that the historic heritage we value so highly will be safe.
"This is not automatically a given."
Mr White, who is retired, lives on a 3.2ha property at the Cromwell end of the Kawarau Gorge and has a small market garden growing blueberries and asparagus.
He used to run a marketing and advertising business in Dunedin and also restored a house that had a category 2 classification.
"Now that I'm retired I can put my energy into ventures like the trust and do something for the community and for future communities.
"I didn't want the Central Otago branch to lose the impetus it had already built up," he said.
