HH-18: Putāruru Courthouse

Location and Zoning Information

Address

67 Tirau St, Putāruru

Current Owner

Manuel Diaz

Legal Description

Lot 1 DP 420601

Zoning

Commercial Zone

Valuation Number

0541834503

Google Maps Link

Lat:-38.048226, Long:175.780841

Architecture

Date of Construction

1935

Materials

Weatherboard, clay tile roof, double hung sash windows with mullioned upper panes, portico-style entrance with classical-style columns.

Architecture/Engineer/Builder

Government Architect, Public Works Division.

Condition

Interior fire in 1994. Building renovated.

Original Site Recommendation

HNZPT Ref: 4277. Heritage Advisor, HNZPT.

Current Use

Resource consent (now lapsed) granted 16/8/2002 for permanent residence.  Resource consent granted 6/7/2012 for internal alterations to convert to dwelling and retail shop.

Statement of Significance

(1 Historical) - reflects important or representative aspects of South Waikato history, presence of the justice system in South Waikato. (3 Community Association) - has important community association and public esteem, landmark presence, well-known public building. Associated with Justice system. Constructed as a courthouse in 1935. Similar to other courthouses from this era. (13 Integrity) - has good level of integrity, interior is pretty intact despite fire, no additions or modifications to character of exterior.

District Plan Rules

Demolition - DIS.  Protection focus - 1, 3, 10 and 13. Mitigate the effects of demolition by requiring the applicant to provide Historical Building Documentation (HBD) which should include: the structure history, photographic documentation and measurements of the item prior to removal.

Alterations necessary for the primary purpose of improving structural performance, fire safety or physical access – CON -Refer to HH-R2.  Other Additions/Alterations - DIS.  Protection focus - 3, 10 and 13. Effects can be mitigated/remedied through; a) HBD - See mitigating the effects of demolition. b) Design rules: 1.The overall visual character/shape of the original building should be identifiable. The addition should not dominate the existing building. 2.New work should be restricted to the rear of the building and not be evident from the road frontage. 3. The following special elements that are associated with the rarity or architectural uniqueness or craftsmanship of the structure should be retained: Elements of the structure that should be retained are those elements associated with the structures historic character, use, rarity, landmark values, craftsmanship etc i.e.: façade, exterior walls, openings landscape, and any other elements identified in the Historic Building Documentation. c) Building Materials Rule: If repair of the structure is proposed the materials used for the exterior walls and elements should be similar in type, dimensions and profile as the existing exterior fabric of the building.

Repair of the Structure - PER. Refer to HH-R1.  Protection focus - 3, 10 and 13. Building Materials Rule: If repair of the buildings is proposed the materials used for the exterior walls should be similar in type, dimensions and profile as the existing exterior fabric of the building. Design Rule: repair and replication work should match the existing design and profile of element.

Re-use/Change of Use - PER.  Refer to HH-R1.  Protection focus - 3 and 13.

Internal Changes - DIS. Courtroom is intact panelling etc and other spaces too - if this area was to be altered HPT would want to record it.

Relocation - DIS. Protection focus - 1,3, 6 and 13. Mitigate the effects of relocation by 1) Consultation with the community and/or consultation with Iwi or special interest groups. 2) Relocate to a similar setting. 3) Documentation (HBD).

Disturbance of the site surface/earthworks - Note: Any place that was associated with human activity prior to 1900 and is able to provide evidence relating to the history of New Zealand is an 'archaeological site' (refer to definition of 'archaeological site' in Section 2 of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014). All archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 and approval from Heritage New Zealand must be obtained prior to destroying, damaging or modifying any site. Accordingly, where this site on which a building is located is an 'archaeological site' and the building is to be repaired, added to, relocated or demolished and this involves disturbance to the surface and/or subsurface of the site, approval from Heritage New Zealand.

Surrounds - Protection extends to require consent for new outbuildings, to manage effects on original site layout, (eg control where a garage would go and what happens in front of building).  Discretionary consent required.

History

Prior to construction in 1935 court proceedings were carried out in a privately owned building.  The courthouse building was erected on a portion of the Police reserve. (HNZPT). Courthouse services resumed in 1994 after fire renovations, however by end of 1995 all services transferred to Tokoroa Courthouse.