Historic values are often associated with historic buildings, structures and sites, trees planted to commemorate special events and buildings that are part of a community’s identity.

It’s important we look after all the things and places that are part of our history and identity, and preserve them for current and future generations to enjoy and learn from. Protecting buildings, structures and items with particular heritage value to the district is a matter of national importance as set out by the Resource Management Act 1991.

Historic Heritage

Historic heritage includes buildings, structures, items and their settings that have heritage value and need protection from damage or demolition, and are listed in Council’s District Plan.

Council notified the Proposed Selwyn District Plan on 5 October 2020. This means that before undertaking any changes to listed heritage items it is important you check both the Proposed District Plan and the Operative District Plan to see what can be done to a listed heritage item without needing a resource consent.

Listed heritage buildings, structure and items in Operative District Plan 
E3 Heritage Items in the Rural Volume, and E3 Heritage Items in the Township Volume

Listed heritage buildings, structure and items in Proposed District Plan

To list a building, structure or item not already identified in the Proposed District Plan, contact the Council and speak to the duty planner.

For assistance with funding for repair work on listed heritage items, please see Selwyn Heritage Fund

Notable Trees

We have trees in our district which are part of our heritage, or which contribute to the amenity values of the district. As with heritage items, those with particular significance for the district are listed in the Operative and Proposed District Plans to protect them from damage or destruction, resulting from development. These trees are commonly large and old, and are often associated with historic sites or have been planted to commemorate key events in the district’s history, or contribute to the amenity values of a place or area that means it is worthwhile protecting them.

Listed notable trees in Operative District Plan
E4 Protected Trees in the Rural Volume, and E4 Protected Trees in the Township Volume

Listed notable trees in Proposed District Plan

To list a tree not already identified in the Proposed District Plan, contact the Council .

For assistance with funding for work on listed notable tree, please see Selwyn Heritage Fund

What can I do with my notable tree?

You can use your protected tree and the space around it provided that the tree, including its root system is not damaged. A resource consent may be needed under either or both the Operative and Proposed District Plans before any proposed activity on your tree can be carried out.

Check out rules in both Operative and Proposed District Plans. Alternatively, contact the Council to speak to the duty planner.

What should I do if I think a protected tree has become hazardous?

Please contact us if you think a protected tree is potentially hazardous so we can arrange for a qualified specialist to conduct an assessment of the tree, before yourself or anyone else takes further action.

If you see overhead power lines affecting a protected tree please contact us immediately.

Sparks around Power Lines

If you see sparks or suspect the tree has voltage affecting it please phone Orion (your power supplier) immediately.