In early 2023 Councillors voted to support the creation of a Heritage Action Plan to explore issues affecting historic buildings across the city.
An advisory group was established to guide its development and consisted of three elected representatives (Deputy Mayor Sophie Barker (Chair), Cr Kevin Gilbert, Cr David Benson-Pope), seven community members, and representatives from the Southern Heritage Trust and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.
In August 2023 feedback from the community and owners of protected heritage buildings was sought via a public survey to better understand:
- what the community values about Ōtepoti Dunedin’s heritage buildings; and
- how the DCC can better assist owners of heritage buildings.
The survey results were used to help make recommendations for the Heritage Action Plan.
In December 2023 Councillors adopted the Heritage Action Plan.
Dunedin City Council staff are now preparing an implementation plan in order to inform long term plan process.
The Heritage Action Plan will be formally reviewed approximately every three years by an advisory group established for that purpose. As part of review process, the DCC will respond to emerging risks to heritage and adapt its approach as required.