WEST COAST

WEST COAST

The Hokitika Government Building and Seddon Statue. CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA

Hokitika project big and exciting

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is delighted to have been given the responsibility to earthquake strengthen and refurbish the Hokitika Government Building for use as a vibrant and valued part of the community once again.

The Government’s funding for the purchase and $22 million upgrading of this significant Te Tai Poutini West Coast property from the COVID Response and Recovery Fund, allocated by Infrastructure Reference Group Ministers, was announced in late September.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga staff visited the Hokitika Government Building in early October to uplift the keys and assess the condition of the property. In a front page article in the local newspaper the Hokitika Guardian, Chief Executive Andrew Coleman said the Sewell Street property was in better than expected condition considering it has not been occupied for some time. “And now the work begins,” Andrew told the newspaper.

“When you think about the fact that it hasn’t been occupied for 30 years it is actually in remarkable shape. Yes, there are issues but it’s in good, clean condition for a building of its nature and age.

“(This property) will give Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga a Te Tai Poutini presence, which is something we haven’t had.”

The Hokitika Government Building and Seddon Statue will join 44 other properties Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga cares for nationwide. Other properties include the Kerikeri Mission Station complex in Northland, Old Government Buildings in Wellington, Kate Sheppard House in Christchurch and the birthplace of our frozen meat industry, Totara Estate near Oamaru.

The Hokitika Government Building and Seddon Statue are Category 1 listed historic places on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero. They are of special or outstanding historical or cultural significance or value.

Once seismic strengthening is completed the property will be refitted for use as offices for the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai, which will lease the building. Other areas of the building will be accessible, telling its history and the wider heritage of the immediate area including the Tohu Whenua programme, which includes the Hokitika Port, Commercial and Government Centre.