Tauranga Art Gallery is contemplating charging admission fees for tourists due to its ongoing financial challenges. The gallery, which encourages donations but does not charge an entrance fee, discussed this idea at a recent Tauranga City Council meeting.
Bill Wasley, a commissioner, raised the question, citing the common practice of charging visitors in other parts of New Zealand and overseas. Sonya Korohina, the gallery’s director, acknowledged this and mentioned that they would be examining this option.
The gallery’s annual report showed 30,094 visitors for the year 2022-2023. 8% of these were international tourists, 18% were from other parts of New Zealand, 26% were from the Western Bay of Plenty, and the remaining 46% were locals from Tauranga. The gallery ended the year with a deficit of $200,000, with Covid and increased operational costs contributing to the financial strain.
While the gallery does receive funding from the Tauranga City Council and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Commissioner Stephen Selwood emphasised the need for balancing revenues with expenses. He suggested that even locals could be charged for special events.
The main gallery is set to close from October 1 for renovations. These renovations are part of a broader $306m redevelopment project for the civic precinct. Once the upgrades are complete, the gallery will feature a new entrance, café, and retail space.
Despite the closure, the gallery’s art and educational initiatives will continue in a pop-up gallery on Devonport Rd.
As the gallery prepares for this new phase, Korohina expressed excitement and optimism about offering future generations exceptional art experiences.
