Disaster recovery

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga supports local authorities, iwi and hapū, communities and other heritage property owners to assess damage and offer support after natural disasters.

How we can help
Advice and resources
Advice and resources for those caring for heritage places after a natural disaster.
Māori Heritage Team
Support for marae that have been impacted by natural disasters.
Emergency archaeological authorities
Apply for emergency archaeological authorities associated with declared states of emergency.

After a natural disaster

Stay safe 

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, it's important to put your safety first. Find out more at Te Rākau Whakamarumaru/National Emergency Management Agency.

Re-entering buildings

Do not enter any building that is significantly damaged or has moved off its foundations. If you do re-enter a structure, watch for leaning walls, holes in floors, broken glass and other potential dangers.

Make sure you’ve turned off the main power switch, unplugged all electrical devices and have appropriate protective gear.

Document damage

Document and photograph any damage to your property, as well as any tidying that takes place. Make the property watertight to avoid further damage.

For best practice repairs and cleaning, see the guides below.

Insurance 

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and don't dispose of anything before speaking with your insurer. In the event of an earthquake, contact Toka Tū Ake Earthquake Commission.

Contact us
Contact your nearest Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga office for more advice about caring for your heritage property after a natural disaster.
Resources: risk management
Preparing heritage risk management plans

This guidance aims to assist owners and managers of cultural heritage places to prepare risk management plans.

This guidance aims to assist owners and managers of cultural heritage places to prepare risk management plans.

Resources: flooding
Caring for Marae after Floods

Our team can support marae that have been impacted by flooding.

Our team can support marae that have been impacted by flooding.

Caring for Urupā after Floods

This guide is for marae who have experienced damage to their urupā.

This guide is for marae who have experienced damage to their urupā.

Resources: earthquakes
Repairing Historic Brickwork

Brickwork damage can occur during earthquake events and may continue during aftershocks. Bricks have little inherent strength on their own but require a system of mortar, reinforcing and ties to hold them together.

Brickwork damage can occur during earthquake events and may continue during aftershocks. Bricks have little inherent strength on their own but require a system of mortar, reinforcing and ties to hold them together.

Repairing Historic Stonework

Stonework damage can occur during earthquake events and may continue during aftershocks. Stone block walls may have little inherent strength unless well mortared or tied to other wall structure.

Stonework damage can occur during earthquake events and may continue during aftershocks. Stone block walls may have little inherent strength unless well mortared or tied to other wall structure.

Repairing and Rebuilding Historic Chimneys

Chimneys were a ubiquitous feature of pre-1960 buildings in New Zealand. The majority of chimneys were built using unreinforced brick masonry.

Chimneys were a ubiquitous feature of pre-1960 buildings in New Zealand. The majority of chimneys were built using unreinforced brick masonry.

Replacement of High Risk Elements

High-risk elements refer to exterior fabric of a building that may be a threat to public safety.

High-risk elements refer to exterior fabric of a building that may be a threat to public safety.

Funding for Historic Heritage

Building owners should explore all potential funding options. Access to
funding sources, however, is often dependent on the nature of ownership of the building or its heritage status.

Building owners should explore all potential funding options. Access to
funding sources, however, is often dependent on the nature of ownership of the building or its heritage status.

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