Heritage buildings in Wellington, Nelson’s State Cinema and the former post office in Onehunga, Auckland are receiving funding to help with earthquake strengthening, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage announced today.

“We are pleased to announce that Onehunga’s former post office will receive a grant of $78,000 as it’s the oldest remaining building in the area and well-known to local residents,” said Ministry spokesperson, Deputy Chief Executive Delivery Tamsin Evans.

“Built in 1902, the building operated as a post office for more than 70 years and the strengthening work will bring the building’s structural rating up to 85 percent of the new building standard. Auckland Council has also helped fund the building’s preservation.

“The $59,000 funding for Nelson’s State Theatre in Trafalgar Street is for strengthening the parapet which is the last stage of the cinema’s ongoing seismic upgrade.

“This Heritage New Zealand Category 2 building is in the art deco style and has always operated as a cinema.

“Heritage EQUIP funding totalling $852,000 has been awarded to the owners of four significant Wellington buildings in this round,” Tamsin Evans said.

“Ashleigh Court Newtown, a Heritage NZ Category 1 building is receiving $184,000 for comprehensive strengthening work, the upgrade is also supported by Wellington City Council; 255 Cuba Street is allocated $31,000; the landmark Erskine Chapel, also a Category 1 building, receives $250,000; and the Farmers Building in Cuba Street receives $250,000.

“Since the programme got underway in 2016, total funding of $4.9 million has been allocated to assist with the earthquake strengthening of heritage buildings throughout the country,” Tamsin Evans said.

Heritage EQUIP, New Zealand’s Heritage Earthquake Upgrade Incentive Programme, provides private building owners with up to 50 percent of the funding required for seismic strengthening of heritage listed buildings.

The next round closes on Monday 19 November and more information is available on the Heritage EQUIP website.

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