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Submitter

Submission id number: 964222

Submitter name:
Philip Seddon

Organisation

Do you want to speak to Councillors at the hearings?
No

Supporting information

No associated documents with this submission.

Submission

How are we doing? Is there anything you would like to tell us?
The Otago Museum is facing some severe funding challenges.  Tūhura Otago Museum generates 50% of its running costs commercially and receives around half of its funding via a Levy from the Dunedin City Council. The impact of Covid-19 and the consequential decrease in visitor numbers and slower than expected return of tourist numbers is having a significant impact on our commercial income. Also, for many years the Museum has received a less than inflation increase to its Levy funding. Next year is no different. In its draft Annual Plan, the DCC has proposed funding just a 2% increase in the Museum Levy, but with inflation now 7% the impact will be severe. In real terms this equates to a cut of $250,000 to the Museum’s budget for next year. This means Less ability to support students’ free access to the Museum’s education programmes for schools. Compromised ability to maintain our community’s taoka, historic treasures, and scientific collection. Less local scientific research for Otago. Further increases to our prices. Reduced ability to drive tourism for the region. It is essential for Museum funding to match inflation to avoid an erosion of this vital facility and service.

What other ideas should we be thinking about to include in future plans for our city?

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