Heritage NZ nominates Arts Centre for top-tier heritage status

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga has nominated Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre as a National Historic Landmark – the highest heritage status in the country, currently held by only two sites. The agency is calling for public submissions over the next month, before the final decision is made.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga describes the proposal to add The Arts Centre as a National Historic Landmark Ngā Manawhenua o Aotearoa me ōna Kōrero Tūturu as “an indicator of its exceptional heritage value and ability to tell the story of who we are as New Zealanders.”

“Being nominated for National Historic Landmark status is a big honour,” says Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Director Southern, Dr Christine Whybrew.

“Currently there are only two National Historic Landmarks in New Zealand – Te Pitowhenua / Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the National War Memorial at Pukeahu, Wellington. That’s an indication of how high the threshold is to qualify.”

Following a period of deep research, and stakeholder engagement and consultation, proposed Landmarks are publicly notified for submissions.

Public submissions are an important part of the Landmark assessment process which is administered under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act. A proposal to list Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre – including an overview of its heritage and cultural significance – has been uploaded onto the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga website, and people are encouraged to respond with a submission.

“We want to hear from people interested in this remarkable place and its heritage significance. The submission process is very easy and people can respond online or fill out a physical form –feedback can be as brief or detailed as people like. We are after a variety of views from anyone who wishes to submit them,” says Christine.

The heritage values of the centre include:  

• The area has been a place of sustenance and spiritual nurture for Māori for centuries.
• The Arts Centre is a rare and exceptional celebration of Gothic Revival architecture and serves today as cultural ecosystem where creatives and community ‘feed’ one another.
• Established through its own Act of Parliament – unusual in itself – the original vision for The Arts Centre was to be an outstanding cultural centre – not only for the people of Ōtautahi Christchurch but for its visitors with a specific remit to look after the heritage buildings; and to foster, promote and encourage arts, culture, heritage, education and creativity. The Arts Centre has fulfilled that vision for the past 50 years.
• The Arts Centre has become a symbol of resilience and revitalisation after the Canterbury earthquakes. The Arts Centre Trust responded with the largest heritage restoration project in New Zealand history – an undertaking that cost over $200 million
• The restoration project is widely regarded as an example of best practice heritage restoration and has been widely praised here and overseas.
• The Arts Centre draws approximately one million locals and visitors to Ōtautahi Christchurch every year who attend a diverse range of events ranging from kapa haka to opera; from Sculpture and Matariki festivals to children’s theatre and circus arts.

Staff and supporters of Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre are delighted that the precinct has been put forward for nomination as a National Historic Landmark, and encourage people to show their support for the proposal.

“This nomination is brilliant news, especially as it is the result of Heritage New Zealand’s own independent research and assessment. Locally, we know that Christchurch has this unique heritage asset, but getting National Historic Landmark status would officially cement the centre’s national significance,” says Arts Centre Director Philip Aldridge.

The Ōamaru Historic Town Centre and Port is also nominated as a National Historic Landmark, and is open for submissions at the same time.

Proposals to list the sites – including an overview of their heritage and cultural significance – have been uploaded onto the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga website, and people are encouraged to share their opinions through the submission process. Submisions close on 19 November 2025.

To make a submission click here.