A classic Kiwi bach on Rangitoto Island is among a range of unique local buildings set to be future-proofed thanks to Auckland Council’s Regional Historic Heritage Grant, which has allocated a share of more than $500,000 to 27 applicants across the region.
The Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme aims to incentivise best practice and encourage community involvement in the care of regionally significant historic heritage places. It is focussed on funding projects that benefit historic heritage places and outcomes that are relevant to all of Auckland.
Allocations for this financial year’s Regional Historic Heritage Grant were approved by Auckland Council’s General Manager Plans and Places.
For this funding round we welcomed applications that aligned with some of the programme’s priorities: conservation of regionally significant heritage places, conservation of at-risk historic heritage places, including initiatives to address the impacts of climate change, and supporting kaitiakitanga, the safeguarding of Māori cultural heritage places.
Councillor Richard Hills, chair of the council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee said he’s pleased with the high number of applicants for this funding round.
“Preserving historic heritage places is vital to the identity and diversity of Tāmaki Makaurau.
“The Regional Historic Heritage Grant enables recipients to improve and future-proof these taonga for Aucklanders now and for generations to come.
“We allocated funds to 27 applicants from a total of 55. We are heartened by the number of applicants and thank all of those who gave their time and effort to apply.”
A classic Kiwi bach on Rangitoto Island was one of the successful applicants, receiving $20,000 through the grant. Bach 103 or “Flounder Inn” is one of a number of historic baches scheduled under the Auckland Council District Plan, Hauraki Gulf Islands Section. It is also part of Heritage New Zealand’s Rangitoto Wharf Settlement Historic Area.
Bach 103 is one of five Rangitoto Island baches managed by the Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust. The grant will go towards internal and external repairs and painting, including work to the shed and toilet.
“We are delighted to be a recipient of the Regional Historic Heritage Grant which will allow us to continue important works on Flounder Inn with a view to making this site available to the public,” said Jo Pilkington, chair of the Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust.
“The Trust was formed in 1997 in response to the impending demolition of a significant number of heritage baches on the island. The Trust advocated for the Rangitoto bach settlements to be recognised as irreplaceable artefacts of New Zealand’s architectural and social history.
“Like all heritage organisations we have a constant challenge to source funds for our restoration projects as well as the general upkeep of restored buildings. Exposure to the elements on Rangitoto Island creates demand for regular and detailed maintenance.
“Being the recipient of the Regional Historic Heritage Grant allows us to continue to provide unique experiences for all overnight visitors to Rangitoto Island. We work alongside Ngāi Tai and the Department of Conservation to ensure we preserve the baches as well as promote the shared values of the stakeholders.”
| Regional Historic Heritage Grant 2023/2024 recipients | |
| Place | Approved grant allocation ($) |
| Former Fitzroy Hotel, Auckland city | 50,000 |
| Stella Maris part of St Mary’s Chapel and the Stella Maris Building, St Marys Bay | 40,000 |
| Church of St Alban the Martyr, Mt Eden | 40,000 |
| Marivare residence, Epsom | 35,000 |
| St Stephens Presbyterian Church, Ponsonby | 35,000 |
| St David’s Soldiers’ Memorial Church – Tower, Grafton | 33,500 |
| Old Customhouse Building, Auckland city | 25,000 |
| St. Stephens Chapel Cemetery, Parnell | 20,000 |
| Bach 103, Rangitoto Island | 20,000 |
| Middle Courtville Apartments, Auckland city | 20,000 |
| 456-486 Queen Street, Auckland – Terraced row of shops | 20,000 |
| Kaipara Medical Centre Building | 20,000 |
| Corner Courtville Apartments, Auckland city | 18,000 |
| Notable trees at Howden House, Waiuku | 16,000 |
| Donner House, Titirangi | 16,000 |
| St Andrew’s Church, Epsom | 15,000 |
| St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Symonds St | 15,000 |
| St Peter’s Anglican Church, Takapuna | 15,000 |
| Residential Dwelling, 41 Cambourne Rd, Sandringham | 15,000 |
| The Hollywood Cinema, Avondale | 11,000 |
| Bell House, Pakuranga Heights | 8,000 |
| Cranwell House, Henderson | 8,000 |
| Wainui Settlers Church | 5,000 |
| The Speculative Cottage by James Walter Chapman Taylor, Mt Eden | 5,000 |
| Pakuranga School – Howick Historical Village | 3,900 |
| Frank Sargeson House, Takapuna | 3,200 |
| Angophora Costata – Notable Tree, Hobsonville | 3,000 |
Applicants for the Regional Historic Heritage Grant 2024/2025 will open in the second half of 2024.
