Heritage and Planning - what to do if you have a heritage listed property

Understanding Heritage Values in Hawke's Bay: What It Means for Your Property

Hawke's Bay, particularly Napier and Hastings, showcases some of New Zealand's most significant architectural heritage. From Napier's world-famous Art Deco streetscapes born from the 1931 earthquake to the Victorian and Edwardian gems scattered throughout Hastings, our region's built heritage tells a unique story of resilience and revival.

What Makes a Property "Heritage"?

Heritage properties in Hawke's Bay often include:

• The stunning Art Deco facades along Napier's Marine Parade and Tennyson Street

• The Spanish Mission style buildings with their distinctive curved parapets and tiled roofs

• Historic homesteads in areas like Havelock North and Bridge Pā

• Properties with significant Māori cultural heritage values

• The distinctive stripped classical buildings in Hastings' central business district

• Notable historic sites like the National Tobacco Building in Ahuriri

• Houses and properties that are linked to important people from our region’s past, many of which are found on Napier Hill.

What Does Heritage Status Mean for Your Property's Exterior?

Heritage status primarily focuses on preserving the street-facing appearance of your property. This means:

• Front facades and visible exterior walls

• Roof forms and materials

• Windows and door arrangements

• Decorative elements and architectural details

• Street presence and overall character

Resource Consent Requirements Across Hawke's Bay

Heritage protection varies across our region's different councils, each with its own specific requirements and processes:

Napier City Council

• Most exterior modifications to heritage buildings require resource consent;

• Key focus areas:

• Art Deco Quarter has stringent requirements for facade preservation

• Character Areas like Marewa, Ahuriri, and Battery Road have specific design guidelines

• Changes visible from the street typically need more detailed assessment;

• Pre-application meetings are recommended for complex changes;

• Heritage database available online to check your property's status.

Hastings District Council

• Different requirements for:

• Central Business District heritage precinct

• Character residential zones

• Rural heritage buildings

• Special consideration for:

• Spanish Mission style buildings

• Railway heritage areas

• Historic homesteads

• Heritage inventory accessible through council's website;

• Design guidelines available for specific character areas.

Central Hawke's Bay District Council

• Focus on:

• Historic homesteads and farm buildings

• Early settler buildings

• Rural heritage sites

• More flexible approach to minor modifications;

• Heritage precincts in Waipawa and Waipukurau.

What to Expect in the Resource Consent Process

Initial Steps

1. Property Research

• Check your property's heritage status

• Review relevant district plan provisions

• Understand specific protection requirements

2. Pre-Application

• In many cases we would recommend partnering with a heritage architect who can provide advice on what you could do on the property

• Meet with council planners (recommended for heritage properties)

• Discuss your plans informally

• Get early feedback on what's likely to be acceptable

3. Documentation Needed

• Detailed plans showing all proposed changes

• Heritage impact assessment (for significant modifications)

• Photos of existing building and streetscape

• Design statement explaining how heritage values are preserved

Assessment Considerations

Different councils will look at:

• Impact on heritage features

• Street visibility of changes

• Materials and design compatibility

• Effects on neighbouring heritage properties

• Contribution to heritage streetscape

Timeframes and Costs

• Simple modifications: 20 working days (non-notified)

• Complex changes may require:

• Public notification

• Heritage expert input

• Heritage New Zealand consultation

• Extended processing timeframes

Tips for a Smooth Consent Process

1. Early Planning

• Start discussions with Council early;

• Consider engaging a heritage architect;

• Allow time for design refinements.

2. Good Documentation

• Clear, detailed plans;

• Thorough heritage assessment;

• Strong justification for changes.

3. Flexible Approach

• Be open to design alternatives;

• Consider council feedback;

• Balance modern needs with heritage values.

Working with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga

Some properties may also need:

• Archaeological authority (for pre-1900 sites);

• Heritage covenant considerations;

• Additional heritage assessment.

How We Can Help With Your Consent

Our team can:

• Determine which heritage rules apply to your property;

• Prepare comprehensive resource consent applications;

• Liaise with Council heritage advisors;

• Manage the consent process;

• Provide heritage planning expertise;

• Work with architects and heritage specialists;

• Navigate different council requirements, we have experience across Napier, Hastings and Central Hawke’s Bay.

Our team can help you achieve modern functionality while preserving the distinctive character that makes Hawke's Bay's heritage architecture internationally renowned.

Need guidance on exterior modifications to your heritage property? Whether it is an addition, a demolition, something new or enhancing what you’ve got, contact the team at Bay Planning for practical advice on balancing preservation with progress through the resource consent process.