Saubmissions have closed on a Heritage New Zealand review of Oamaru's historic precinct that recommends much of the town's central business district be preserved because of its historical significance.
But when a decision will be made on the review report was unclear, Heritage New Zealand Otago Southland area manager Jonathan Howard, of Dunedin, said.
Heritage New Zealand staff were still processing the submissions.
Mr Howard could not comment on how many submissions were received nor how many were in support or opposed but he said not all were favourable - he had seen at least one opposed to the recommendations in the report, which identified 119 places in the town's centre as historic.
More than 100 stakeholders had been identified for the public notification process and all submissions would be acknowledged in writing.
Any issues raised in submissions would be considered by a committee before going to the Heritage New Zealand board.
Heritage New Zealand could come back to some of the stakeholders and "talk to them and see what the issues are and try to get an understanding of some of the concerns they've got''.
"We'll just go and speak to the parties and get a clear understanding of their reasons for raising issues,'' Mr Howard said.
"It also gives us a chance to talk to them and allay some of the concerns they may have.''
Heritage New Zealand did not typically publish submissions.
The 127-page review, written by Heather Bauchop, was in response to a call from the Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust.
The trust was seeking the inclusion of a small portion of the town's main street in the New Zealand Heritage List.
Instead, an area which covers all of Lower Thames St, including some of its side streets, was proposed.
Heritage New Zealand is governed by an eight-member board appointed by the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage.
