The cash-strapped Dunedin City Council is to look into charging visitors for entry to two of its arts and culture venues.
If the scheme goes ahead, people from outside Dunedin and who are aged at least 12 could have to pay to enter Toitū Otago Settlers Museum and the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.
The council voted 8-7 this week to request a report from staff in time for consideration for the 2025-34 long-term plan.
It would include forecast income and costs of implementing a visitor charge, benchmarking against other cities and identification of other revenue opportunities at the two facilities.
The idea was put forward by Cr Andrew Whiley, who described the venues as two great assets upgraded and funded by ratepayers.
"At the crux of it is that we charge a child $3.50 to go to Moana Pool, but yet we do not charge any of our international visitors to visit these attractions," Cr Whiley said.
Several councillors who favoured requesting a report noted this was not a commitment to bring in a charge.
One councillor against getting a report on the subject was Lee Vandervis.
He believed any revenue generated would be "feeble".
A visitor to Toitū yesterday, Kathryn Donaldson, of Wellington, said she would probably pay something.
"But being from Wellington, where Te Papa is about 10 times the size and free, it’s a bit tricky.
"Toitū is definitely unique, and it definitely has lots of interesting technology."
Sarah Irons, who is from Wellington but is now living in Australia, said she was at the settlers museum to research her heritage.
"It certainly would have restricted us if they decided to charge for it," she said.
"It’s important to have easy access to your heritage."
Yui Kaneko, of Dunedin, said Toitu was a good place to bring young children.
"It would be great if it was kept free; that’s the reason we come here often. We already have to pay for carparking."
In 2014, the council proposed charging for tourists to fill a $100,000 hole in the budget for the art gallery and Toitū, but the council decided against it after a staff report forecast "significant" drop-offs in visitor numbers.
Request a report about visitor charges:
For (8): Mayor Jules Radich, Crs Bill Acklin, Sophie Barker, Christine Garey, Kevin Gilbert, Cherry Lucas, Steve Walker, Andrew Whiley.
Against (7): Crs David Benson-Pope, Carmen Houlahan, Marie Laufiso, Mandy Mayhem, Jim O’Malley, Lee Vandervis, Brent Weatherall.
