Who We Are
The Character Coalition is an umbrella organisation of 65 historic, heritage, historical and special interest groups and residents’ associations in greater Auckland from Warkworth to Franklin. It was formed in 2012 out of growing concern across the region about the future of our legacy stock of heritage and character buildings - a finite resource that, were being eroded over time. Members also felt shut out of the decision-making process that determines development in their local environments, a process that seemed designed to disempower ordinary citizens. We registered as an Incorporated Society in 2016.
The primary purposes of the Society are to:
Preserve and maintain heritage, historic and special character areas;
Advise and assist special interest groups, societies and other associations who desire to preserve, maintain and protect areas of special significance including the above areas;
Represent the interests of such groups by making submissions to Government Councils and other such bodies.
Groups and individuals can join the Character Coalition by signing up on the website. There is no joining fee but we ask prospective members to agree with our purposes. Member groups retain their own structures and purposes and these are not affected by membership of the Coalition. Members can withdraw at any time.
A broad view of character and heritage is taken by the Coalition and it encompasses the physical environment as well as built heritage.
Our current activity is focused on the Council’s response to the NPS-HUD and ensuring proper protection of character and heritage.