Owners of heritage buildings that need costly earthquake strengthening can apply for a share of a new Government fund.
Strengthening requirements introduced after the Canterbury earthquakes have left many private owners and organisations facing multimillion-dollar bills.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry today announced the Heritage Earthquake Upgrade Incentive Programme fund of $12 million over four years.
The contestable fund will be available for privately owned category 1 Heritage New Zealand-listed buildings across the country and for category 2 buildings in areas of high to medium seismic risk.
High seismic areas include Gisborne, Manawatu, Napier, Palmerston North, Queenstown, Southland, Wellington and Christchurch.