Queenstown Lakes District Council organisations reported mixed fortunes in their six-month reports, with some feeling the impact of the economic slump on bottom lines.
Lakes Environmental chairman Tony Hill and chief executive Hamish Dobbie told the finance and corporate accountability committee there had been "challenges" in the past six months with declining consent volumes.
Mr Hill said the company had a net surplus from operating activities for the period of $177,605, and a net cash surplus of of $48,750.
Cash and cash equivalents at December 21, 2008, were $1.9 million, compared to just over $2 million in 2007.
The total equity was $24,018, down from $161,325 in 2007.
Mr Dobbie said the company could experience ongoing pressure on revenue for up to the next three years because of lower than expected building and resource consent volumes.
Lakes Leisure chairwoman Jane Taylor and chief executive Fiona McKissock reported a net surplus of $171,855, compared to a budgeted deficit of $30,917, mainly achieved by "very positive community patronage" of aquatics and swim school revenue.
However, Alpine Aqualand revenue would be offset by higher energy costs as winter months approached.
Lakes Leisure hosted 36 events between July and December 2008, with 25,000 visitors at the Queenstown Memorial Hall and Queenstown Events Centre.
Lakes Engineering chairman Trevor Tattersfield and acting general manager Gerry Essenberg reported the company's total expenditure for the six months was $658,095, within the budget of $686,500.
A small year-on-year surplus had been made from $12,072 to $12,196.
Queenstown Airport chairman Mark Taylor and chief executive Steve Sanderson said increased schedule services, particularly international, had driven strong growth of $105,000 in departure tax and landing fee revenue.
However, planned runway maintenance and increased rescue fire capabilities had added $144,000 of expense year on year.
Mr Sanderson said the economic climate had curtailed domestic passenger numbers by 3% from last year, and was likely to continue for the next six months; but domestic flights had gone up by 4% with the increase of ATRs over Boeing 737s.
Airlines had increased international flights into Queenstown for the coming winter. Jetstar would replace Qantas on domestic routes in June.
All company representatives acknowledged the need to maximise revenue and minimise costs wherever possible in their reports.
Cr Lyal Cocks asked if five independent directors for some of the companies were necessary.
Chief executive Duncan Field said there was an opportunity to review the number, but it had to be done through a legal process and he would report back to the council next month.
