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 Any Heritage Precinct which is fully alive indicates what every other built-environment ideally should be. It is not obsessed with what is old, but neither is it obsessed with what is new. A Heritage Precinct is a link between the past and the future, and through this relationship it gives meaning to the present.
Because a Heritage Precinct gives form to the whakapapa of place it
makes people feel at home. The residents belong just as their
built-environment belongs. This Precinct is the turangawaewae of a
community. Here people stand tall, finding strength in the wairua of
the Precinct. Here they celebrate who they are through the rituals of
life and the rituals of building. This built environment makes people
feel welcome. A Heritage Precinct makes aroha visible. Without this
manakitanga of place how can any place have mana?
In an ideal world every place would be a Heritage Precinct.
 The first move must be a commitment by all
to enhance and enrich the wairua of Kohkohu.
Unity within diversity can be achieved by a common ethical position.
Heritage Precincts are a game in progress, just like history.
Heritage Precincts need to celebrate the imperfection of life.
Every decision should be taken at the lowest possible level.
Slow growth is to be preferred to rapid change.
Whakapapa comes warts and all, making east very different from west.
It is the differences between Heritage Precincts which are important
Governance should never seek to control.
Only those who belong should govern.
Protect the natural character of the Hokianga Harbour.
Live first in the natural world, and only then in buildings.
Enhance water transport and disadvantage road transport.
Make Kohukohu a walking-pace township.
Build on strengths rather than overcoming weaknesses.
Strengthening the community is the most important action to be taken.
A Heritage Precinct is a repository of the Whakapapa of place.
History is dynamic. Metamorphosis is normal.
The way Kohukohu has become what it is, is more important than what it has become.
An understanding of heritage suggests a planning process.
Precincts are unique, diverse and complex.
Our role is to sustain and develop our whakapapa.
Rather than seeking to control the future, we should read the signs of our times.
The purpose of local government is to enhance the well-being of the community.
A Heritage Precinct needs to be seen as slow theatre.
Strengthening our relationship with nature is the first “climate change” move.
Hokianga settlements are dominated by landscape.
Movement is a cultural act.
Water transport established the urban design patterns of the Hokianga.
Clear edges intensify relationships.
Protect edges and relationships.
Overall good design is the sum of incremental good decisions.
Every move needs to be a good one.
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