October 3, 2014 1:00pm by David Farrar

Waitangi National Trust not losing money

Visitors to the splendid Treaty grounds at Waitangi probably assume the taxpayers of New Zealand happily pay for the facilities there. What could be a more worthy or natural public expense than the preservation of that place? In fact, it is run by a private trust with income from the estate of a former Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, supplemented by a charge to visitors.

Fortunately the grounds are not completely fenced and it is possible to reach the historic site for no charge, but the convenient entrance has always carried a fee. The entrance has been made attractive and informational, taking visitors through a building containing displays. The $12 door charge caused no audible outrage from the public, but in 2008 Helen Clark’s Government argued, quite rightly, that New Zealanders should not have to pay. The Waitangi National Trust agreed and made entry free for everyone except overseas tourists who would be charged $25 to cover the lost income.

In recent years the trust has struggled to cover its costs, blaming a decline in tourism following the Global Financial Crisis.

It would be useful to check the facts before accepting an assertion.

Their 2013 accounts show a surplus of $306,000 and equity of $13.7 million. The previous surpluses were $80,000, $443,000, $428,000. The last deficit was in 2009.

So over the last four years the accumulated surpluses have been over $1.2 million.

In 2009 staff hours per week were 693 and in 2013 they were 1060 hours per week. Despite the increase they are still profitable but have they considered whether they needed a 50% increase in staff hours over four years, and would trimming the costs not be preferable to imposing a fee?