Yesterday, councillors rejected a plan to introduce a $20 entry fee at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum and the Dunedin Public Art Gallery for international visitors over 16, as part of deliberations on the long-term plan 2025-34.
Proponents said the fee was supported by the community and had been accounted for in the draft long-term plan, while those opposed were concerned any revenue would be offset by lower visitor numbers.
Cr Andrew Whiley moved the motion, which was lost 11-4, and said he struggled with arguments for the museum and gallery to be free for international visitors.
Public consultation found 238 submissions (41%) opposed a $20 fee while 336 (59%) supported the fee, which was expected to generate $150,000 per year — revenue included in the draft long-term-plan.
"Us around the table, for the ratepayers, have to find another $150,000 through this process... that’s the part that I find troubling," Cr Whiley said.
"The community have told us one thing through the submission process and councillors around the table are basically telling they know best"
Gallery and museum director Cam McCracken told councillors institutions which had charged international visitors reported an estimated 40% drop in local and international visitors.
"There isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario where one city, one institution can extrapolate what’s happened [elsewhere]," he said.
Cr Mandy Mayhem said Dunedin did not have the visitor numbers to support such a fall.
"Considering that the operation costs for Toitū and the public art gallery are $11 million, bringing in 1% recovery of costs . . . seems fairly nominal for me when I think it would be a deterrent to general visitation"
Cr Marie Laufiso said the proposal went against values of manaakitaka [hospitality] and Cr Lee Vandervis said fees would "dull the joy" of the museum and gallery.
Cr Bill Acklin said councillors had to find a balance between economic pressures and supporting a vibrant community with places for people to enjoy — "not have somebody shoving a bill in front of your face".
Deputy mayor Cherry Lucas said councillors had told staff to find any opportunity for savings or revenue and the community had supported the proposal.
