“Heritage in the Waitaki is not just beautiful limestone buildings,” the newly appointed Waitaki District Council heritage advisor Mark Smith says.

“Today I am wearing elegant Victorian clothes, but the Waitaki has a history greater than fine top hats,” he said.

Dr Smith has been appointed in place of Heather Bauchop, who had been in the position since 2018, when it was created.

He is beginning in the position just as the latest round of heritage funding opens.

Originally from Ngāruawāhia, in the Waikato, Dr Smith worked as a business analyst, lecturer, and consultant, before becoming operations manager of the Ōamaru Whitestone Civic Trust. Here he oversaw the completion of several large projects, including the installation of a lift in the 1882 Loan and Mercantile building.

“It was marvellous to contribute in such a concrete way to the life of our community. It was a pleasure to work with the volunteers, tenants, members, and trustees of the OWCT,” he said.

Dr Smith is striving toward having people connect with their own experiences within the heritage landscape.

“Heritage sites can be more than the grand homes of the wealthy - they can be rock art sites, a small home, a dam, a memorial, a factory, a grave. Places where people made their lives, and their stories can be found.”

These places can be listed as historic heritage items with the council, and owners can seek funding from many organisations including the Waitaki Heritage Fund. 

First established in 1992, the purpose of the fund is to encourage heritage place owners to retain, preserve, conserve, and maintain historic buildings and sites. 

Council opens the fund three times a year, and the current round is open for applications until Monday, May 15.

Dr Smith recognises the significant heritage in the Waitaki District and the major opportunity to become more prosperous as a community.

“Waitaki is under-rated. You must travel to somewhere like Venice to see just some of what we have right here. 

“Waitaki also has places that are like nowhere else. We have a legacy and heritage and it's something I want to share with the world – but even more importantly I’d like us to see it in and for ourselves.”

Forms can be found at: https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/District/Community-Grants-and-Awards/Waitaki-Heritage-Fund or by visiting the council offices, or the Waihemo Service Centre.