Systematic Destruction by DOC at the start of Conservation Week

Maybe this year it needs to be renamed as "Conservation Weak". DOC has undertaken to systematically run the building down and despite commissioning several reports on the building in the mid 2000's did not follow the recommendations provided. It is apparent that some staff had a total dislike for the building and set out to ensure that it was demolished, by misleading the council into classifying it as being dangerous and insanitary and by misreporting the condition of the building to higher managers etc. - see attached image / letter. There are serious questions about DOC's conduct in this affair, and these questions are now being asked by Opposition MPs. One of the issues highlighted by this debacle is that a Category One heritage listing of its own means very little. Unless a building or 'historic place' is then listed in the local district plan, it has no protection. In the case of Aniwaniwa, Wairoa District Council never got round to listing the building. We urge you to contact you local MP and to ask them to question the Minister of Conservation, Maggie Barry, about the conduct of her Ministry, which is nothing short of shameful.