By Andrew Ashton. RECIPIENT: The National Tobacco building in Napier. PHOTO / FILE. A_HBT16370105.JPG
Owners of heritage-listed building in Hawke's Bay are urged to apply for government funds to pay for expensive earthquake-strengthening work.
Almost a year after the Ministry for Culture and Heritage launched its $12 million Heritage EQUIP fund, only $192,253 has been allocated to building owners in Hawke's Bay - and all of that in Napier.
With $8.9m still remaining in the fund, Heritage EQUIP and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage are looking for more applications from regional New Zealand.
Heritage EQUIP expert advisory panel chairman Matthew Kidson says some of the country's most unique heritage can be found in regional New Zealand.