A draft strategy aimed at identifying, promoting and managing heritage sites in a sustainable manner has been released for consultation by the Queenstown Lakes District Council.
Council senior policy analyst Sue Mavor said although it was not a statutory requirement for the council to prepare a heritage strategy, it was an important issue to tackle.
"Heritage resources are constantly under threat from the pressure of urban growth.
This is especially relevant here, given the growth pressures facing this district," she said.
It was crucial to preserve and protect heritage now, so future generations could continue to appreciate and enjoy a unique cultural heritage.
However, the protection of heritage was not solely a role for the council.
Effective management required a co-operative and collaborative approach.
Agencies including the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, Ngai Tahu, the Department of Conservation and residents had roles to play in heritage protection.
"The success of this strategy relies on the council and community working together," she said.
The public is invited to give feedback on the draft strategy, which is available from council offices or online, by October 23.
Proposed actions include -
• Commissioning a study that visits the district's 254 identified archaeological sites to obtain up-to-date, accurate information on site locations and conditions.
• Convening a group including representatives from the NZ Historic Places Trust, Doc and the Queenstown District Historical Society to identify the threats to heritage buildings and structures, and assess mechanisms for the protection of heritage buildings and structures.
• Buying or contributing to the purchase of heritage values, places and items where appropriate.
• Establishing and undertaking a monitoring programme to assess how effective and efficient the mechanisms for protection are.
