meeting with Robin Byron

Meeting with Robin Byron (Historic Places Trust, Auckland)


I met with Robin on Friday to talk about the challenges Christchurch is currently facing from the Historic Trust's point of view. I asked her what the values are in maintaining historical buildings, to which she responded saying they are part of the document of history, a lineage of reference points. They are authentic, real examples of certain styles and craftsmanship. Millions of dollars may seem like a lot to restore an old building, but on the other hand she said 'once its gone, its gone.' She does admit that it gets difficult when deciding if something is worth preserving. Should we 'group' buildings? How do we justify which one is the most important?


Robin pointed out that we have different values attached to different types of buildings. Residential buildings seen as 'character' and commercial as 'heritage'. I was pointed towards heritage guidelines, which are going to be interesting to analyse and compare to other texts, and to some people in Christchurch who would be good to talk to while I'm down there (starting to realize that is going to be one full on week!). It would be so interesting to be able to get into one of the storage facilities where the documented deconstructed materials are of the significant buildings lost!


Napier is also relevant as a precedent, and one in NZ!