After Notre Dame, we must protect and preserve NZ's landmarks
Thursday, 2 May 2019
OPINION: It is two weeks since the world watched in horror as the Cathedral of Notre Dame, a magnificent icon of Paris, went up in flames. And while reconstruction efforts are already being planned, there are certainly parts of Notre Dame, parts of history, that are now lost forever.
But perhaps one positive that we can take away from the Notre Dame fire is the new light that has been shined globally on the importance of the preservation of historical landmarks. For the last two weeks I have had the chance to travel around New Zealand and visit many of the remaining historical landmarks here.
I visited Russell, the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, and its Christ Church, built in 1835 - the country's oldest surviving church. From The Northern War in the Bay of Islands to the building of the Christ Church itself, there are truly remarkable tales and stories to be told and landmarks to see and learn from.
**READ MORE:
* Notre Dame fire: The damage done, and what has survived
* Rebuilding will be long, fraught and expensive
* Notre Dame fire: How human chain saved treasures**
New Zealand has a fascinating history and it should be preserved. But unfortunately, New Zealand does not have the best track record when it comes to preserving its historic landmarks, both Pākehā landmarks and most direly with those of Māori heritage.
While there have been improved efforts in recent years, more can and needs to be done. Funding for Heritage New Zealand needs to be increased. Priority should be on the protection and preservation of historical sites, not on new development.
When there is a damaged historical landmark, restoration, not redevelopment, should be the first thing that comes to the mind of citizens, businesses, and the government. Everyone plays a role in this.
Promotion and education of New Zealand's history and historical landmarks needs to be increased. To the world, New Zealand is known for its great natural beauty and adventure. And if given the proper chance, New Zealand can also be known for its history.
History is important and preserving it here in New Zealand should be of the utmost importance. For once a historic landmark is lost, it is lost forever. And forgetting history is not something to be taken lightly.