The Heritage Award Scheme was set up in 1997 to recognise the efforts of people in the community in preserving the built or constructed character and heritage of the Hagley/Ferrymead area, which includes the central city.

A wide range of categories are covered by the scheme:

• Retention — A building previously under threat of demolition but now secured for the future by either private or community initiative

• Conservation and Restoration — Items in this category must have undergone a conservation and/or restoration programme within the past year or be part of a staged conservation and/or restoration programme

• Education and Awareness — Initiatives by individuals or community groups to promote heritage education and awareness

• Children — Aimed at raising the heritage awareness of the young and encourage them to be active within their local environment

• Good Caretaker — Recognises property owners who have maintained properties in original or near-original condition for some years

• Pre-1850 Award — Recognises Maori and European cultural heritage sites significant to tangata whenua prior to organised European settlement.

• Christchurch Star Award — Recognises efforts by business and retailers in the City Centre to preserve or maintain a heritage building

“The awards are open to anyone. People who have seen something in the Hagley/Ferrymead Wards that they feel should be nominated can let us know about it," says John Dunphy of the Linwood Service Centre.

Winners in each category receive trophies, which are held for a year, and a framed certificate. Runners-up receive a certificate. Mr Dunphy says previous years awards have been a great success and fostered a greater awareness of the built heritage significance in the area.

• For more information, call John Dunphy on 941 6624 or at john.dunphy@ccc.govt.nz

• Entries close on Friday 29 August 2003 and nominations must relate to projects in the Hagley and Ferrymead wards. Entries should contain as much information as possible about the nominated project and may include photographs, drawings, models and written material. Also needed is the name, address and a phone number for the owner, school, institution, or company responsible for the project.