The Role of New Zealand Historic Places Trust in the European-Build Heritage Protection

Abstract

What is building heritage and why should it be protected? What principles should be taken into account by those who are involved in heritage protection? Recognising the importance to save historic building for the future generations, modern legislation at the same time recognises the owner’s right to develop heritage property. This contradiction lead us to the point that heritage is still endangered because the legislation does not grant an ultimate protection. This paper analyses the role of the governmental agency named New Zealand Historic Places Trust in preserving heritage. The paper considers the legislation framework in relation to the Trust and heritage related issues. The main focus of the paper is to understand whether the existing protective and supportive mechanisms allow the Trust to be considered as a heritage protector. To solve this issue the paper investigates functions and powers of the Trust and analyses their efficiency in terms of heritage protection. Finally, a conclusion will be offered.