Gisborne district has a wealth of heritage both pre and post European contact. This resource provides an identity unique to the people of the Gisborne district and should be recognised and protected. The management of our heritage implies a duty of care and responsibility to pass it on to future generations with the least possible loss. There is a responsibility to record the past for the benefit of future generations. It cannot be achieved alone but should be a community effort with particular emphasis placed on finding the balance between legitimate use of land by landowners and the protection and enhancement of the community heritage resource. The benefits can be considerable and long term particularly in respect of education, cultural and spiritual stability, social well-being, community identity and the efficient use of resources.
