Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is proposing that Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre get the country’s highest heritage status – National Historic Landmark.
Currently there are only two National Historic Landmarks in New Zealand, both in the North Island – Te Pitowhenua / Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the National War Memorial at Pukeahu, Wellington.
Being nominated as a National Historic Landmark is a significant honour.
To be approved by the Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, the proposal must have broad national and community support.
You have until 19 November 2025 to express your support, via the Heritage New Zealand webform here.
It’s as easy as a tick in the box and a brief comment.
Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre is listed as a category 1 Historic Place. You can read the official listing here.
A National Historic Landmark is a big step up from there.
You can read the full Statement of Significance by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga here, but to quote:
“Nowhere else in the country is an entire city block of heritage buildings held in trust for residents and visitors in this way.”
“What makes The Arts Centre so enduringly special is the deep connection people have with it from all over New Zealand.”
“…the site’s preservation and continued vibrancy stands as a testament to collective community effort, reflecting decades of sustained adaptive reuse, engagement and support.”
The status is, in part, to help governments prioritise resources for protection of the most significant heritage sites in future, but there are no guarantees.
The national recognition would be a huge honour for Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, and a tribute to the many Cantabrians who have worked so hard to protect and preserve the buildings, and especially to nurture its creative community, over the decades.
Please give this nomination your tick of support.
Or the second. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is nominating the historic town centre and port of Ōamaru at the same time. But first, both proposals need strong public submissions. If you also want to support Ōamaru, here is the link.
