Regional funding idea for Auckland's arts, cultural and service organisations gets the thumbs up

Public opinion favours regional funding for Auckland's arts, cultural and service organisations according to a report presented at Auckland City's Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee today.

"In the past, Auckland City has contributed the lion's share of funding toward these organisations, and that is not representative of the wide audience they service, attract and entertain," says Councillor Penny Sefuiva, chairperson of the committee.

Surveys conducted over the past 12 years have indicated a high degree of public support for a number of organisations which provide regional services including the Auckland Philharmonia and Zoo. People surveyed felt the funding structure should appropriately reflect their role across the Auckland region.

"A working party of ten affected agencies and council has been established to look into the issues and options for regional funding and regular meetings will commence in the new year," says Mrs Sefuiva.

A key focus for the working party will be to investigate establishing systems which provide a reliable and sustainable level of funding for the identified regional organisations.

"With the introduction of long-term region wide funding provisions, these organisations will be able to concentrate on delivering services to the wider community rather than continually focussing on fund raising activities.

"This will provide more certainty for their long term future," says Mrs Sefuiva.

The organisations included in the funding discussions are: Auckland Zoo, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, Watersafe Auckland, NZ National Maritime Museum, Stardome Observatory, Auckland Philharmonia, Auckland Theatre Company, NBR NZ Opera, Auckland Festival and Surf Lifesaving (Northern Region).

The Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee appointed committee chairperson, Councillor Penny Sefuiva, and Councillor Vern Walsh, Finance and Corporate Business Committee chairperson, to the working party to represent the views of Auckland City.

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