Free Event – Civic Trust AGM & Student Debate 2025
What kind of city do we want Timaru to be? Do we treasure and adapt our historic buildings, or is it better to build new? These are the kinds of questions that shape not only our streets but our identity as a community.
At this year’s Timaru Civic Trust AGM, we’re putting the spotlight on youth voices. Local high school students will take the stage in a structured debate on the motion: “That we should keep heritage buildings rather than build new.” The debate will feature teams for and against, each arguing passionately on issues that matter to us all... heritage, sustainability, design, and the future of our town. On the night, our audience can have a say too, with a vote before and after the debate to see which side wins hearts and minds. Expect fresh perspectives, sharp arguments, and a lively evening.
This event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome.
When: Wednesday 15 October 2025, 6.00 pm
Where: Timaru Landing Services Building
The AGM is also your chance to hear about the Trust’s work, from restoring the Customs House to offering Heritage Grants that support owners in caring for historic buildings. Together, we preserve heritage, champion great design, and reimagine places to inspire and enrich our community.
Should heritage be preserved for beauty and history, or only if it is useful today?
Is restoring more sustainable than rebuilding?
What kind of town do we want to leave for future generations?
Who decides which buildings are worth saving?
The challenge is deciding what to treasure and what to transform, or destroy.
Heritage connects us to our past, giving character and identity that once lost can never be replaced. Yet sometimes we need to make way for the new — modern spaces that offer efficiency, accessibility, and design for the future. The Timaru Civic Trust opens the floor... Explore both sides of the debate and hear what our youth have to say!
Did you know?
The Timaru Civic Trust offers Heritage Grants of up to $10,000 to help property owners with repairs, maintenance, and seismic strengthening of heritage buildings. It’s one way we support keeping Timaru’s character alive for future generations.
Come along, be inspired, and hear the next generation debate the future of our built environment.
Massive thank you to Roncalli College, Timaru for supporting us with the event - we can't wait!
At this year’s Timaru Civic Trust AGM, we’re putting the spotlight on youth voices. Local high school students will take the stage in a structured debate on the motion: “That we should keep heritage buildings rather than build new.” The debate will feature teams for and against, each arguing passionately on issues that matter to us all... heritage, sustainability, design, and the future of our town. On the night, our audience can have a say too, with a vote before and after the debate to see which side wins hearts and minds. Expect fresh perspectives, sharp arguments, and a lively evening.
This event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome.
When: Wednesday 15 October 2025, 6.00 pm
Where: Timaru Landing Services Building
The AGM is also your chance to hear about the Trust’s work, from restoring the Customs House to offering Heritage Grants that support owners in caring for historic buildings. Together, we preserve heritage, champion great design, and reimagine places to inspire and enrich our community.
Should heritage be preserved for beauty and history, or only if it is useful today?
Is restoring more sustainable than rebuilding?
What kind of town do we want to leave for future generations?
Who decides which buildings are worth saving?
The challenge is deciding what to treasure and what to transform, or destroy.
Heritage connects us to our past, giving character and identity that once lost can never be replaced. Yet sometimes we need to make way for the new — modern spaces that offer efficiency, accessibility, and design for the future. The Timaru Civic Trust opens the floor... Explore both sides of the debate and hear what our youth have to say!
Did you know?
The Timaru Civic Trust offers Heritage Grants of up to $10,000 to help property owners with repairs, maintenance, and seismic strengthening of heritage buildings. It’s one way we support keeping Timaru’s character alive for future generations.
Come along, be inspired, and hear the next generation debate the future of our built environment.
Massive thank you to Roncalli College, Timaru for supporting us with the event - we can't wait!
