The government has announced a series of changes to the national earthquake upgrade incentive programme, Heritage EQUIP.

Heritage building owners in regional, medium and high seismic risk areas will now be eligible for new Professional Advice Grants. The grants, designed to assist people at the beginning of the earthquake upgrade process, will provide up to 50% of the costs required for obtaining services such as detailed seismic assessments, conservation reports, architectural and structural engineering plans. As part of the changes, regional building owners are also able to apply for up to 67% of upgrade works costs. Additionally, multiple-building applications can seek funding of up to 67% of professional advice costs.

Tailoring funding for heritage building owners gives them more options to manage the unique earthquake strengthening challenges they face, Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Grant Robertson said.

“These owners face lower building incomes and values that often don’t justify the upgrade expense, and there can also be a shortage of locally available professional advice,” Robertson noted. “I encourage building advisors, councils, civic and heritage trusts and other qualified entities to work on behalf of groups of building owners in regional locations.”

Meanwhile, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, which administers the Heritage EQUIP fund, is also establishing a pilot partnership programme with selected local authorities, to address local issues and identify seismic strengthening pathways.

Applications for Heritage EQUIP funding rounds close on March 22 and July 29.