The Steampunk Museum in the heart of Ōamaru's historic town centre. Photo: David Douglas
A proposal for Ōamaru's historic town centre and port to be designated as a national historic landmark has been approved by the Waitaki District Council.
Under the Heritage New Zealand plan, Ōamaru would have the same landmark status as the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Northland, because of its well-preserved Victorian architecture and vibrant history.
The agency was also proposing recognising the National War Memorial in Wellington as a historic landmark.
The Ōamaru landmark would cover land, buildings and structures across Thames, Itchen, Harbour, Tyne and Wansbeck Streets, as well as the harbour area.
The proposed extent of the Oamaru Historic Town Centre and Port National Historic Landmark. Photo: Supplied / Waitaki District Council
At a council meeting on Tuesday, heritage advisor Mark Smith recommended granting consent for Heritage New Zealand to include council-owned property and other owned assets as part of the proposal.
"Council can secure significant benefits and recognition for Waitaki by supporting this proposal," his report said.
"The Ōamaru historic town centre and port sites would go from being listed among the thousands of items on HNZ's list to one of a handful of places of exceptional national significance."
The report noted the proposal was supported by Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust and Tourism Waitaki.
Waitaki mayor Gary Kircher told councillors there would be a certain synergy to the site being acknowledged alongside Waitangi, because Waitaki was the southern Māori dialect of Waitangi.
"Waitangi is nationally known, nationally recognised, very important to the country and the opportunity to put Ōamaru's heritage buildings on the par with that is pretty special," he said.
"I'm very happy to support this and look forward to this becoming a reality."
Councillor John McCone also voiced his support, but was concerned national historical landmark status would result in extra costs for building owners.
"I will support it on the basis its promotional and doesn't become a cost to the owner," he said.
Smith told the meeting the process would not create any new legislative burdens for property owners, based on discussions with Heritage New Zealand.
"Nothing new is being added by being part of this historic landmark system," he said.
When the proposal was first mooted in November, Heritage New Zealand's Otago/Southland area manager Sarah Gallagher said she was excited about Ōamaru getting the recognition it deserved.
"Landmark recognition will honour the town's rich history, architectural heritage and unique spirit, and the efforts of those who have worked hard to preserve and restore the buildings and streetscapes.
"This recognition will connect visitors and locals alike to the stories of the town's past."
After receiving council consent, Heritage New Zealand would collect the signatures of building owners by mid-May and submit a report to its board in August to seek permission for nationwide public consultation in September.
If submitters supported the proposal, a recommendation would go to Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith.
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