Further changes at the Dunedin Chinese Garden should be
delayed for two years because visitor numbers and revenue are
already ''tracking upwards'', outgoing garden manager Margo
Reid says.
The gates to the Dunedin Chinese Garden could soon be thrown
open, as part of a new scheme offering Dunedin ratepayers
free access to the city's cultural attractions while tourists
are required to pay.
The plan is for Dunedin's Chinese Garden to remain a separate
activity from Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, even though the
museum will take over managing the garden.
Efforts are being made to reduce the amount ratepayers
contribute to the cost of running the Dunedin Chinese Garden,
although details on exactly how the savings will be found are
vague.
Revellers (from left) Kate de Lautour (11), Grace de Lautour
(9), Ellice Lawton (6) and Charlotte de Lautour (6) get into
the spirit of the occasion at the Moon Festival celebrations
held at the Dunedin Chinese Garden at the weekend.
The local Chinese community continues to work hard to promote
and raise funds for the Dunedin Chinese Garden, the chairman
of the Dunedin Chinese Gardens Trust says.
The Chinese community needs to take some responsibility for
the financial "predicament" the city finds itself in with the
Chinese garden, the Dunedin Ratepayers and Householders
Association says.
