The unintended consequences of the earthquake-prone building legislation may have impacted most historical buildings in the city centres of New Zealand’s provincial areas through increased building consent applications for demolition due to high strengthening costs and safety concerns. Consequently, the high level of deterioration and vacancy of these inner-city historical buildings have contributed to the quest for city centre regeneration especially for previously vibrant city centres in New Zealand provincial areas currently experiencing a period of protracted decline. This paper reviews existing literature and examines the effectiveness of locally-mobilised city centre regeneration strategies pursued by Whanganui and Invercargill. With the aim of highlighting local strategies that could improve the city centre regeneration process through the retention of underutilised historical buildings in these areas, the discussion draws together analysis from both case study areas in comparison with international examples. Also, useful recommendations on appropriate programs and policy responses are provided as a guide for other New Zealand’s provincial cities that are pursuing city centre regeneration through the strengthening and redevelopment of historical buildings.