Heritage Item Assistance Fund

Further information

Heritage Item Assistance Fund information

What is the Heritage Item Assistance Fund?

The Heritage Item Assistance Fund is a is a contestable fund of $50,000 per year that is open to the public for the purpose of conserving, restoring, and protecting valued heritage items within the Rodney District for the enjoyment and benefit of current and future generations.

What items is the fund available for?

The fund is primarily available for heritage items within the Rodney District that are included in Chapter 17 - Cultural Heritage of the Proposed District Plan 2000. 

However, the fund is also available to other worthy heritage items in the district. The fund is open to private individuals and organisations but is not open to government agencies. 

What projects is the fund available for?

The fund is available for any projects that have a purpose of conserving, restoring, and protecting valued heritage items. It is envisaged that the following types of projects would be applied for:

• Restoration or repair of original heritage fabric relating to historic buildings or structures (e.g. repairs to masonry, joinery, plaster or glazing, earthquake strengthening or fire protection).
   
• Professional services (e.g. research, condition reports, conservation plans, heritage plans, conservation work specifications, management plans or supervision of work).

What is NOT eligible for the fund?

To ensure the best use of limited funds the following exclusions apply:

• Construction of new buildings or structures (other than stabilisation structures) not for the purpose of preserving heritage values
• Additions and/or extensions to existing buildings;
• Complete reconstruction or replicas of missing buildings or structures;
• Removal, relocation or demolition of buildings or structures;
• Insurance, debt repayments or re-financing costs;
• Purchase of land or buildings;
• Purchase or conservation of portable heritage items;
• New commemorative monuments or works;
• Heritage conservation projects that have already been completed;
• Purchase of equipment.
   

When is the fund available?

Applications for the fund are open between 5 February 2008 and 18 April 2008. 

Funding announcements are expected to be made in May/June 2008.

Will I automatically get a grant?

No.  The fund is a contestable fund and its allocation is at the discretion of the Council. 

How does the Council decide who gets the money?

The Council will evaluate the applications and decide who the funds are given to based on: 

• Whether the item is included in Chapter 17 - Cultural Heritage of the Proposed District Plan;
• How much the proposed works will enhance the qualities for which the heritage item is valued;
• The urgency of the work to avert severe deterioration of a heritage item;
• The level of public access and/or visibility;

Are there any limits on grants?

Yes, the following restrictions apply:

• Each grant is limited to $5,000.
• Each grant is limited to 50% of the entire project cost (i.e. the applicant must supply half the funds)
• A heritage item that has received a grant from this fund in the past must serve a 2 year stand down period before being eligible again.

If successful, when do I need to finish the project by?

Once an item has been selected for funding the successful applicant has one year to carry out the works (unless another agreement is reached with Council).

Do I need a resource consent for the works if I receive funding?

If your project is classified as restorations, alterations or additions to the exterior of any item listed in Chapter 17 - Cultural Heritage you will require a restricted discretionary resource consent under Rule 17.9.4 of the Proposed District Plan 2000.  Therefore a resource consent application must be made to Council and it must be granted before any works start (note that there are no resource consent fees charged for consents required only due to Chapter 17 - Cultural Heritage). 

A successful application for funding is not the equivalent of obtaining a resource consent for the works.   

Any repairs or insignificant alterations to any listed item are a permitted activity.  Please refer to Chapter 17 - Cultural Heritage of the Proposed District Plan 2000. 

Please note that for some projects a building consent may be required.  Please check with the Building and Development Control Department to see whether your project requires a building consent.   

How do I apply?

Fill out the application form below and send back to the Council by 5pm Friday 18 April 2008.

Heritage Item Assistance Fund Application Form

What is the timeline for the process? 

• Applications need to be submitted to Rodney District Council by 18 April 2008.
• The Council will acknowledge all applications in writing and then assess the applications.
• Funding recommendations will be made to the Strategy and Community Committee for final approval.
• It is proposed that funding announcements will be made in May/June 2008.
• Successful applicants must carry out works by June 2009 (unless another agreement is made with Council).

Further information

Further Information can be obtained by contacting Ryan Bradley 0800 426 5169 or e-mail ryan.bradley@rodney.govt.nz.

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