FAQs

Heritage and character buildings make a significant contribution to the historic identity and visual character of communities. They have always been an integral part of the Canterbury region’s identity. Unlike New Zealand’s other main centres, Christchurch has a flat and relatively featureless topography. It was the diversity of the built environment, and in particular the city’s heritage buildings, which gave the city its attraction. Many of these buildings have been demolished as a result of the devastating earthquakes. Those heritage and character buildings which remain, have, in most cases, sustained major damage. In many instances insurance cover is insufficient to cover the costs of repair. This fund has been set up to address this shortfall.

The New Zealand Government has pledged to match dollar-for-dollar all funds raised up to a maximum $10 million. Contributions have been made by the territorial authorities which make up the Canterbury region and the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT). The fund has the support of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Only buildings in private ownership are eligible to receive funding. When selecting which eligible buildings will receive funding a key consideration of the Trustees is the degree to which the building represents a public benefit. Retaining some of our heritage and character buildings is a critical aspect of the Canterbury rebuild. The buildings add diversity to the cityscape, hold memories, and give the region a sense of place. Many heritage buildings which contribute positively to our shared built environment are held in private ownership.

Covenants over the relevant property or other appropriate legal instruments may be considered as a condition of funding, as determined by the Trustees.

A “Qualifying Heritage Building” is a building within the districts of the Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri District Council, Selwyn District Council, Timaru District Council and Ashburton District Council which is: • a historic building listed in the relevant District Plans or registered with the NZHPT; or • a building or one of a group of buildings which makes a significant contribution to the historic identity and visual character of a community; or • a Marae building or other building of cultural significance to Maori.

The repair and restoration of heritage buildings in Canterbury will go on for a number of years. The Fund will be wound up when all funds are distributed, or at a date to be agreed between the Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Christchurch City, Selwyn District, and Waimakariri District Councils, and the NZHPT.

The relevant territorial authorities are tasked to monitor all funded work and compliance. The Trustees report to the Minister for Culture and Heritage on a six-monthly basis. Reports include: • the donations received and total value of the Fund; • the number of applications received; • the number of applications considered by the Trustees; • the number of applications approved; • the total amount of funds allocated; • a narrative of funded work; and • a narrative of the outcomes achieved.

Donors can give money to the general fund or alternatively, can indicate a preference for which building they would like to support by selecting a building from the “tagged” list. Major donors are encouraged to contact the Fund and talk about their wishes.

• If donating online via the “Donate Now” icon, simply select the building you would like to support by clicking on the photograph of your preferred building. 
• If making a donation at a BNZ branch, or by internet banking or via telegraphic transfer, please ensure the building name is entered in the “information which will appear on their statement” field.

Whether the Government matched funding is allocated to your selected 'tagged' building is entirely at the Trustees discretion.  

Buildings are added to the "tagged" building list at the discretion of the Trustees, who work in collaboration with  representatives from the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and the Christchurch City Council. Key considerations for inclusion: • The degree to which the building constitutes a public benefit. • How realistic the project is in terms of feasibility of repair and likely public support. • Whether the project can be carried out in a manner which is consistent with the conservation principles and practices of the ICOMOS (NZ) Charter.

While every effort will be made to ensure buildings on the "tagged" list are not demolished there may be occasions where this outcome is unavoidable. If for any reason the Trustees consider it inappropriate for a building to remain on the "tagged" buiding list, "tagged" funds already received for that building will be reallocated to either the general fund or to another “tagged” building. How the funds are reallocated will be entirely at the discretion of the Trustees. If you would like to make a donation to a “tagged” building, but do not wish, under any circumstance, to have your money reallocated, please contact us before making your donation.

Yes, the Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Buildings Fund has been approved by the Inland Revenue Department as a donee organisation. If you are individual making a donation you are eligible for a tax credit (formerly rebate) for that donation. The amount of the tax credit is calculated at 33.33% of the total gift. If you are a company (including certain societies) or a Maori authority you can claim a deduction for your donation. To be eligible for a tax credit your donation must be $5 or greater. If you gift over $5 you will be eligible to claim a tax credit. If you gift via the website and enter your email address you will be automatically emailed a receipt. Donors who gift via other methods will be furnished with a manually generated receipt, if requested.

The Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Buildings Fund is an independent Trust. The Christchurch City Council lends support by covering some administrative functions and costs.

Yes. The online donation page has been formatted as an IFrame page within the website.  The IFrame page is a secure link.  If you wish to check this you can hover your cursor over the CVV2 link and your browser will show you that the IFrame is hosted by E-Tapestry which has an https domain. 

All credit card transactions are processed and secured by Blackbaud Payment Services.  Donation software is PCI compliant.  No credit card information is stored on our database.