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The NZHPT wants current and future generations of New Zealanders to experience and enjoy the sense of place, identity and belonging that our unique heritage offers.

Over the past 50 years, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust Pouhere Taonga (NZHPT) has become New Zealand's leading national historic heritage agency, and is seen as the guardian of Aotearoa New Zealand's (historic) heritage.

The distinctive characteristics of New Zealand’s land and buildings are important to the way we shape our communities; socially, economically, aesthetically and culturally. The NZHPT believes the conservation of this heritage enables New Zealanders to develop a greater understanding of our history and identity.

The NZHPT is governed and managed as a crown entity under the Crown Entities Act 2004, and its powers and functions are prescribed by the Historic Places Act 1993.

Some of Canterbury's most treasured landmark buildings were severely damaged by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked Christchurch on Tuesday 23 February 2011. The New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) will work with Civil Defence, emergency services, the Christchurch City Council and government agencies in any capacity required.

“Public safety is the absolute priority,” said NZHPT Chief Executive Bruce Chapman.

“The greatest tragedy has been the significant loss of life and injuries to many people. With a state of emergency declared we will respond to any request for assistance.”

The scale and extent of multiple building collapses particularly in the city centre was considerable, Mr Chapman said. The NZHPT-managed Timeball Station in Lyttelton had also suffered serious damage.

“Once public safety is assured and emergency services have declared the sites safe NZHPT staff will work with owners and other agencies to assess future options.”

Staff from Wellington and Dunedin are assisting NZHPT’s Christchurch-based staff.

www.historicplaces.org.nz