Update Review of Previous Audits:
- Management of heritage properties
- HQ NZDF business continuity management
- Management of the Tactical Mobile Communications System
Section 1: Management of heritage properties
Introduction
1.1
Evaluation Report 5/2008 Management of heritage properties dated
10 September 2008 examined the NZDF’s policy for the management of its heritage properties and the consistency of that policy with Government policies. The need to conserve heritage buildings and sites is recognised in law and various heritage management obligations are imposed on government departments.
Report's main points
1.2
The Historic Places Act 1993 imposes specific statutory obligations for the management of archaeological sites. Government policy for the management of heritage properties was set out in the Policy for Government Departments’ Management of Historic Heritage 2004.
1.3
The NZDF heritage policy, which was issued in 2002, prior to the publication of the Government policy, sets out various requirements relating to the management of heritage properties and provides practical guidance for their management. The NZDF has a two-tier structure for its heritage properties: Category A is of national importance; Category B is of local or regional heritage significance. A key policy requirement is for Heritage Management Plans to be completed for all Category A properties.
1.4
The report found the NZDF heritage policy was largely consistent with the Government policy but there were areas that could be strengthened. The NZDF was revising its register of historic places at the time of the audit.
1.5
The NZDF had completed heritage management plans for only eight of the then 29 Category A properties. Some of the heritage management plans lacked required information. It appeared that the NZDF had not followed some recommendations in heritage management plans regarding maintenance of properties.
1.6
There were significant variations in the maintenance of some Category A properties. A lack of funding for maintenance work had prevented the Defence Shared Services Property Group prioritising maintenance of heritage properties. Only property directly contributing to output production and property in current use was being actively maintained.
1.7
The report recommended that the NZDF:
- revise its heritage policy,
- improve the use and application of heritage management plans,
- apply appropriate and necessary maintenance resources to heritage property,
- consider amending Output 15.4 Service Museums to include funding of heritage properties not in current use; and
- improve the general availability of information on heritage properties.
Subsequent actions
1.8
Since 2008 there has been significant policy development. DFO 32 Defence Force Orders for Facilities and Property Management, Chapter 15 Estate Heritage Management was revised and updated in 2010. Its purpose is to ensure heritage management policy and practice is consistent with Government policy and follows best practice.
1.9
Defence Shared Services Property Group has also developed a Defence Estate Management Manual that provides guidance for operational procedures and the services necessary for management of the Defence estate portfolio.
1.10
The NZDF continues to maintain a Heritage Register, with buildings being identified as category ‘A’ or ‘B’ sites. Category A sites are further identified as functional (in use), non-functional (not in use) or subject to disposal action.
1.11
The NZDF has registered its Category A Heritage sites with the Historic Places Trust and the NZ Archaeological Register.
Heritage management plans
1.12
Heritage management plans have been developed for 30 of the now 39 Category A sites. There is general understanding that any work on a Category A heritage site should be done in accordance with the relevant heritage management plan. The plan indicates whether consultation is necessary with the Historic Places Trust or any other agencies. The local Defence Shared Services Facilities Management team must follow the guidance of the heritage management plan when making decisions on maintenance.
Management of heritage properties
1.13
Since our report the NZDF has continued to improve the availability of information about its heritage properties on the Integrated Land and Facilities Management System.
1.14
A need to strengthen the relationship between the Defence Shared Services Property Group and the Directorate of Housing Policy has been identified. In 2009 formal monthly relationship liaison meetings were introduced. Establishment of a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the NZDF and the Historic Places Trust is being considered.
1.15
Maintenance of heritage properties continues to be limited to essential work on those still in use. Preservation maintenance work needed on Clark House (Hobsonville) was costed but no funding has yet been allocated. Work is on hold as there are plans for the building to be vacated by the end of 2011. The building will then become ‘non functional’ and not a priority for funding.
1.16
Since 2008, exterior paint work and concrete repairs have been completed on the two hangers at Whenuapai. A new fire exit has been installed in Hangar One and internal paint work is scheduled for the end of 2011. No significant maintenance work has been carried out on the Officers Mess in the last 2 years.
1.17
During 2009 the NZDF placed signs on the gates and structure at Fort Balance (Wellington), warning the public that the site is unsafe and unauthorised access is prohibited. No maintenance funding has been allocated due to uncertainty as to the future of Fort Balance.
Funding of heritage preservation
1.18
There has not been an increase in heritage maintenance funding since 2008. There continues to be general concern about the shortage of funding needed to maintain NZDF heritage properties.
1.19
The Pacific Road Group’s 2010 Value for Money Review of the NZDF suggested that funds should be directed to operational outputs. There is unlikely to be any change to the current situation where only heritage buildings currently in use will meet the criteria for funding, unless the Minister directs the NZDF to prioritise heritage buildings.
Information on heritage properties
1.20
We were told that general awareness and knowledge within the NZDF has increased since the report. Heritage policy and procedures are promulgated on the NZDF’s Intranet. Heritage management plan information is being communicated effectively to camp and base facility management and contract service providers.
Summary
1.21
The NZDF has made significant progress with the development of heritage policies and procedures and completion of heritage management plans.
1.22
The NZDF continues to give less priority to the ongoing maintenance of category 'A' heritage sites, as it prioritises property contributing to output production and property in use.
