Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry today announced the Heritage Earthquake Upgrade Incentive Programme fund of $12 million over four years. Owners of heritage buildings that need costly earthquake strengthening can apply for a share of a new Government fund. Heritage buildings can still get a 10-year extension - meaning some buildings may not need strengthening for 60 years. "Heritage buildings are an important part of the character of towns like Feilding, but the cost of strengthening can be prohibitive and unsustainable for their owners. High seismic areas include Gisborne, Manawatu, Napier, Palmerston North, Queenstown, Southland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 12, 2016 00:22 UTC