Jim Anderton today announced that if he became Mayor of Christchurch he would appoint internationally recognized heritage expert Doctor Ian Lochhead as a key advisor to assist him in leading the move to achieve World Heritage Status for our city's unique 'Gothic Revival' buildings – the Canterbury Museum, the Arts Centre, the Christchurch Cathedral and the Provincial Council Buildings.
"Christchurch is fortunate to have the outstanding expertise of Dr Lochhead of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury available to assist as an advisor with the processes of consultation and application required to attain World Heritage Status" Jim Anderton said.
"Dr Lochhead has decades of experience in the history of New Zealand architecture and heritage conservation and is the author of the authorative study of the architecture of Benjamin Montford, the foremost "Gothic Revival" architect for Christchurch.
"He was recently commissioned by the Department of Conservation to assess Napier City's first formal application for World Heritage status, for its 'Art Deco' precinct".
"Dr Lochhead also gave evidence as an independent expert witness in the recent Resource Consent hearings on the Music School proposal for the Arts Centre site".
Mr Anderton said that, "no city in the world has a more complete collection of "Gothic Revival' buildings of such high quality, so well preserved, as does Christchurch. But without the support of the Christchurch City Council no application for World Heritage Status can succeed.
"Christchurch's ancestors valued quality architecture in a way that the present generation of New Zealanders could learn from".
"These buildings and precincts represent a remarkable determination to create a better world. They are more than bricks and mortar. They represent the heart of our city, and remind us every day that wanting to leave the place where you live in a better state than you found it, is a worthwhile goal".
"World Heritage listing for our outstanding Gothic Revival precinct would give Christchurch international visibility and prestige, and attract more tourists to the city. It would also give local people an increased sense of pride in our city. That's why, if I become Mayor, I will help lead a proposal to push for World Heritage Status for these historic sites, which teach us so much about our past and the direction we should take for the future", says Jim Anderton.




Judy is a current Community Board member for the Riccarton - Wigram ward. She is involved in a number of other organisations for youth, education and the wider community.

Jasmin has strong experience working in the health sector. She is one of our youngest candidates and possesses a vibrant personality and a positive attitude.




Islay lives in Linwood. She loves the area and wants to restore the community and environmental values that once had Christchurch residents proud to live here.

Tracey is a dynamic, energetic woman with several years of community involvement. She is willing to stand up for the underdog and speak for those who cannot speak up for themselves.

Karolin is an educator in the Human Rights Commission, a JP and a current community board member. Concerns are gaps between those who have and do not and the environment.




Julie is a Correspondence School liaison teacher and has served as a deputy and acting principal at a local school. She wants to represent an area she has been part of for 40 years.

A board member for three years, Linda has a Community Service Award and is on Keep Christchurch Beautiful and Civil Defence. The environment and safe, happy communities are concerns for her.




