1985 - Formed to save the Timaru Landing Services Building
The Trust was founded in July 1985 in response to the demolition or threat to key heritage buildings—such as the Ballantynes building and Canterbury Farmers Co op building—and the potential loss of the Landing Service Building. Concerned citizens held a public meeting to form a local civic organization modeled on Christchurch Civic Trust.
It became formally incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act in February 1986, with a constitution and elected board. Membership by subscription was opened to he public, Civic Trust.
It became formally incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act in February 1986, with a constitution and elected board. Membership by subscription was opened to he public, Civic Trust.
2024 Overview
In 2024, the Timaru Civic Trust experienced another busy and successful year, marked by strong governance and new leadership developments. Chairman Nigel Gilkison thanked the Board, Secretary/Treasurer Kalpesh Hari, HC Partners, and membership officer Gabby Paredes for their ongoing contributions. A new trustee, Dr Andrew Paul Wood, joined the Board, bringing extensive expertise in arts, heritage, and urban planning. His current project on architect Francis W. Petre aligns well with the Trust’s goals. Both Trust-owned properties, the Customhouse and the Landing Service Building, remained fully tenanted, with seismic assessments confirming the Customhouse at 90% of the new building standard. Plans for internal upgrades, including a wheelchair-accessible lift and toilet improvements, progressed alongside ongoing discussions to take custodianship of Bluestone House.
The Trust advanced its heritage and community projects, supporting urban art through Alive Vibrant Timaru, funding new murals, and preparing three new blue heritage plaques. Regular Timaru Herald articles continued, complemented by quarterly newsletters. Heritage investments included $7,500 for The Croft’s restoration, $5,000 toward Te Ana Māori Rock Art Trust improvements, and the fulfillment of a $50,000 pledge to the CPlay playground. A highlight was the donation of a historic 1906 diorama to PrimePort Timaru, ensuring its preservation and future display. The Trust also hosted a lecture by Heritage NZ CEO Andrew Coleman, reinforcing the importance of Timaru’s heritage assets as a community asset and unique selling point.
However, tensions rose with the council, particularly over the abrupt cancellation of the Theatre Royal and Heritage Hub project and the controversial proposal to demolish the Warren & Mahoney–designed public library for a new combined museum and theatre. The Trust strongly opposed these decisions and pledged continued advocacy for best-practice urban design and heritage protection. In closing, Nigel announced his departure after nine years on the Board to take up a heritage architecture role in the UK, expressing gratitude for his time with the Trust and confidence in its ongoing mission to safeguard Timaru’s beauty, history, and character.
The Trust advanced its heritage and community projects, supporting urban art through Alive Vibrant Timaru, funding new murals, and preparing three new blue heritage plaques. Regular Timaru Herald articles continued, complemented by quarterly newsletters. Heritage investments included $7,500 for The Croft’s restoration, $5,000 toward Te Ana Māori Rock Art Trust improvements, and the fulfillment of a $50,000 pledge to the CPlay playground. A highlight was the donation of a historic 1906 diorama to PrimePort Timaru, ensuring its preservation and future display. The Trust also hosted a lecture by Heritage NZ CEO Andrew Coleman, reinforcing the importance of Timaru’s heritage assets as a community asset and unique selling point.
However, tensions rose with the council, particularly over the abrupt cancellation of the Theatre Royal and Heritage Hub project and the controversial proposal to demolish the Warren & Mahoney–designed public library for a new combined museum and theatre. The Trust strongly opposed these decisions and pledged continued advocacy for best-practice urban design and heritage protection. In closing, Nigel announced his departure after nine years on the Board to take up a heritage architecture role in the UK, expressing gratitude for his time with the Trust and confidence in its ongoing mission to safeguard Timaru’s beauty, history, and character.
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2023 Overview
In 2023, the Timaru Civic Trust had another productive year, marked by active heritage and community initiatives. Chairman Nigel Gilkison thanked the Board, Secretary/Treasurer Kalpesh Hari, and HC Partners for their ongoing support, with additional appreciation for Josh Rooney and membership officer Gabby Paredes, who maintained the online subscription invoicing system and website updates.Membership stood at around 50, with a focus on future promotion. Both Trust-owned properties, the Customhouse and the Landing Service Building, remained fully tenanted, with maintenance and repairs supported by Graham Cadigan and Timaru Construction. Further assessments of the Customhouse were commissioned to inform earthquake strengthening plans, and discussions continued over potential custodianship of Bluestone House.
The Trust’s community projects continued to thrive, including contributions to two new street art murals by Koryu Aoshima and the installation of eight additional blue heritage plaques across the district in collaboration with the South Canterbury Historical Society. Regular Saturday columns in the Timaru Herald highlighted local heritage stories, while quarterly digital newsletters kept members updated. Significant heritage grants supported the restoration of St Mary’s Church, the Oxford Building repainting, and Geraldine Post Office Clock repairs, alongside a $50,000 contribution to the soon-to-open CPlay playground at Caroline Bay.
The Trust also organised a public lecture by Helen Craig, Deputy Mayor of Whanganui, who spoke on heritage-led city-centre regeneration, inspiring local aspirations. Engagement with the Timaru District Council continued, including advocacy on the Theatre Royal/Heritage Hub upgrades, the CityTown CBD regeneration, and the District Plan Review. The Trust reaffirmed its commitment to promoting heritage, best-practice urban design, and fostering public pride in Timaru’s unique history and character
The Trust’s community projects continued to thrive, including contributions to two new street art murals by Koryu Aoshima and the installation of eight additional blue heritage plaques across the district in collaboration with the South Canterbury Historical Society. Regular Saturday columns in the Timaru Herald highlighted local heritage stories, while quarterly digital newsletters kept members updated. Significant heritage grants supported the restoration of St Mary’s Church, the Oxford Building repainting, and Geraldine Post Office Clock repairs, alongside a $50,000 contribution to the soon-to-open CPlay playground at Caroline Bay.
The Trust also organised a public lecture by Helen Craig, Deputy Mayor of Whanganui, who spoke on heritage-led city-centre regeneration, inspiring local aspirations. Engagement with the Timaru District Council continued, including advocacy on the Theatre Royal/Heritage Hub upgrades, the CityTown CBD regeneration, and the District Plan Review. The Trust reaffirmed its commitment to promoting heritage, best-practice urban design, and fostering public pride in Timaru’s unique history and character
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2022 Overview
In 2022, the Timaru Civic Trust remained active across governance, membership, and heritage initiatives. Chairman Nigel Gilkison thanked the Board, Secretary/Treasurer Kalpesh Hari, and HC Partners for their valuable support, which allowed volunteers to focus on community projects. Membership reached 54, with Gabby Parades volunteering as membership manager and streamlining invoicing through a new Xero-based system. The Trust also joined Historic Places Aotearoa, becoming part of a national heritage network, and collaborated with neighbouring groups in heritage hui. Additionally, despite a slight decline in its investment fund due to the economic climate, the Board maintained confidence in its long-term financial strategy for sustainability.
Heritage advocacy and community projects were key highlights. The Trust monitored the council’s City Hub Strategy and voiced concerns about design processes for the Theatre Royal/Heritage Hub and Caroline Bay soundshell seating. It continued to support street art in collaboration with Alive Vibrant Timaru, contributing to murals by KAOS and Anthony Fowler, and advanced its Blue Plaque programme, including plaques for Timaru Boys’ High School and several regional heritage sites. Significant financial contributions were pledged toward local heritage restoration and community projects, including $50,000 for CBAY playground, $25,000 for the Aigantighe House Gallery restoration, and grants for Chalmers Church and the Dominion Hotel.
Maintenance of Trust-owned properties was a focus, with major exterior work completed on the Landing Service Building and repairs at Customs House. Future plans included exploring custodianship of Bluestone House, continued advocacy in the District Plan review, and progressing seismic strengthening. The Trust celebrated the protection of an additional 80 heritage properties and received a $27,000 donation from Ashley Shewen’s heritage endowment fund. These efforts reflected the Trust’s ongoing commitment to heritage preservation, civic improvement, and fostering community engagement.
Heritage advocacy and community projects were key highlights. The Trust monitored the council’s City Hub Strategy and voiced concerns about design processes for the Theatre Royal/Heritage Hub and Caroline Bay soundshell seating. It continued to support street art in collaboration with Alive Vibrant Timaru, contributing to murals by KAOS and Anthony Fowler, and advanced its Blue Plaque programme, including plaques for Timaru Boys’ High School and several regional heritage sites. Significant financial contributions were pledged toward local heritage restoration and community projects, including $50,000 for CBAY playground, $25,000 for the Aigantighe House Gallery restoration, and grants for Chalmers Church and the Dominion Hotel.
Maintenance of Trust-owned properties was a focus, with major exterior work completed on the Landing Service Building and repairs at Customs House. Future plans included exploring custodianship of Bluestone House, continued advocacy in the District Plan review, and progressing seismic strengthening. The Trust celebrated the protection of an additional 80 heritage properties and received a $27,000 donation from Ashley Shewen’s heritage endowment fund. These efforts reflected the Trust’s ongoing commitment to heritage preservation, civic improvement, and fostering community engagement.
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2021 Overview
In 2021, the Timaru Civic Trust experienced leadership changes. Long-time chairman David McBride, a founding member since 1986 and chair for the past five years, stepped down from his role but remained on the Board. Interim chair Nigel Glikison acknowledged David’s dedicated service and steady leadership, which helped guide the Trust for decades. Secretary/Treasurer John Stark of HC Partners also stepped down, replaced by Kalpesh Hari, a Director at HC Partners. A celebratory dinner at the Customhouse restaurant was held in May to honour David and John’s years of contribution. Nigel expressed gratitude to Kalpesh for bringing essential financial expertise and administrative support, enabling the Board to focus more on community improvement projects.
Membership and communications also saw changes, with Fiona McGlashan resigning from her role due to increased work commitments. Fiona’s efforts in managing membership, maintaining communications, and handling the Trust’s digital presence through the website, emails, and Facebook were highly appreciated. The Trust emphasised the need for a digitally skilled individual to fill this role, recognising the importance of virtual engagement in maintaining strong member relationships. While a replacement was being sought, the Board encouraged members to help identify potential candidates who could manage these essential tasks.
Additionally, subscription reminders had not been issued over the past year due in part to work on revamping the Trust’s website. This highlighted the importance of modernising digital systems to ensure smooth operations and better engagement with members. The leadership changes, combined with the focus on professional financial support and digital communications, positioned the Trust to continue its mission of civic and heritage improvement while adapting to evolving organisational needs
Membership and communications also saw changes, with Fiona McGlashan resigning from her role due to increased work commitments. Fiona’s efforts in managing membership, maintaining communications, and handling the Trust’s digital presence through the website, emails, and Facebook were highly appreciated. The Trust emphasised the need for a digitally skilled individual to fill this role, recognising the importance of virtual engagement in maintaining strong member relationships. While a replacement was being sought, the Board encouraged members to help identify potential candidates who could manage these essential tasks.
Additionally, subscription reminders had not been issued over the past year due in part to work on revamping the Trust’s website. This highlighted the importance of modernising digital systems to ensure smooth operations and better engagement with members. The leadership changes, combined with the focus on professional financial support and digital communications, positioned the Trust to continue its mission of civic and heritage improvement while adapting to evolving organisational needs
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2017 Overview
In 2017, the Timaru Civic Trust maintained strong governance, holding well-attended monthly meetings and building positive momentum.
A major acknowledgement was given to Jimmy Wallace, who retired from RSM Law after years of providing invaluable pro bono legal advice. The Trust hosted several successful events focused on urban design and heritage, featuring speakers such as architect Peter Stutchbury, urban designer Glen Hazelton, and George Shaw, who presented on Timaru’s planned street art project. Dr Anna Crighton was also invited to speak at the AGM, reflecting the Trust’s growing role in promoting heritage awareness.
Heritage protection remained a key focus. The Trust opposed the Bay Hill development due to the proposed demolition of the Hydro Grand Hotel, presenting expert evidence despite ultimately losing the case and choosing not to appeal. Heritage New Zealand’s limited involvement underscored the need for the Trust to lead its own campaigns. The Trust also began pursuing the purchase of Customs House, a Category A heritage building, pending seismic and financial assessments. Alongside this, the Trust continued to raise awareness through its weekly Timaru Herald column and planned to strengthen its online presence.
Financially, the Trust was in a stable position with secure leases at the Landing Service Building, including tenants Speights Ale House and Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre. Plans for the future included contributing to the Timaru District Plan Review to strengthen heritage protections, launching a charitable fund to support building restoration, and participating in CBD enhancement initiatives. Membership fees remained affordable, helping sustain community involvement as the Trust looked forward to another year of advocacy and progress for Timaru’s heritage and urban design.
A major acknowledgement was given to Jimmy Wallace, who retired from RSM Law after years of providing invaluable pro bono legal advice. The Trust hosted several successful events focused on urban design and heritage, featuring speakers such as architect Peter Stutchbury, urban designer Glen Hazelton, and George Shaw, who presented on Timaru’s planned street art project. Dr Anna Crighton was also invited to speak at the AGM, reflecting the Trust’s growing role in promoting heritage awareness.
Heritage protection remained a key focus. The Trust opposed the Bay Hill development due to the proposed demolition of the Hydro Grand Hotel, presenting expert evidence despite ultimately losing the case and choosing not to appeal. Heritage New Zealand’s limited involvement underscored the need for the Trust to lead its own campaigns. The Trust also began pursuing the purchase of Customs House, a Category A heritage building, pending seismic and financial assessments. Alongside this, the Trust continued to raise awareness through its weekly Timaru Herald column and planned to strengthen its online presence.
Financially, the Trust was in a stable position with secure leases at the Landing Service Building, including tenants Speights Ale House and Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre. Plans for the future included contributing to the Timaru District Plan Review to strengthen heritage protections, launching a charitable fund to support building restoration, and participating in CBD enhancement initiatives. Membership fees remained affordable, helping sustain community involvement as the Trust looked forward to another year of advocacy and progress for Timaru’s heritage and urban design.
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