10 Sep 2018

Heritage Buildings Expert

From Afternoons, 2:33 pm on 10 September 2018

Dr Ann McEwan says the real test for a heritage building is if people are prepared to lie down in front of a bull dozer to save it.

Dr McEwan is a heritage consultant based in Waikato. She has lectured in architectural history and heritage conservation at the University of Waikato and worked for NZ Historic Places Trust. Ann also writes a weekly historic heritage column for the Waikato Times.

Ann McEwan says Whakatane Airport (1971) designed by Roger Walker is a modern masterpiece.

Auckland Tepid Baths (1914) is an example of a fabulous conservation says Ann McEwan.

Ann McEwan describes the Hamilton Courthouse (1931) as an inter-war classical masterpiece but it's fate is in limbo.

Knox Church, Christchurch (1902). It has been rebuilt since this post-quake photo was taken.

Ann McEwan and her son Leo at the Oamaru Gardens. Dr McEwan says this is probably where her interest in art history began.

Despite protests to save Euphrasie House in Hamilton East in 2016, Ann McEwan says their efforts were in vain.The local community group lost its battle in the Environment Court.

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Christchurch was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake. It's future is still uncertain.