Orana Wildlife Park wants Selwyn council's help to fill a $4.1 million shortfall, but the mayor wants to see a business case before committing cash.
By Jonathan Leask of Local Democracy Reporting
"I really want to see some numbers that sit alongside that [request] so we can make an informed decision," Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon said.
Orana Wildlife Trust Board co-chairperson emeritus professor Ken Hughey and Orana chief executive Rachel Haydon presented to the council on Wednesday.
Hughey said the park had a $4.1m funding gap.
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"It reflects the true cost of operating a modern accredited wildlife park, with significant conservation, education, and animal welfare responsibilities," he said.
"Christchurch City Council has committed $1.2 million to that cause, and we're actively pursuing philanthropy, sponsorship, government funding, and commercial growth opportunities.
"Many foundations and trusts approached have advised capital grants are their priorities over any operational grants, and that's a major challenge for us."
Haydon said Orana Park is seeking "any possible contribution" this financial year as they work through the immediate funding shortfall.
Willowbank merger? Night safaris?
Haydon said they have not considered a merger with the nearby Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.
"Willowbank is a 14-hectare site with predominantly native and domestic species and a few small exotics," she said.
"We are a 160-hectare site with obviously a lot larger exotic fauna with different containment and biosecurity.
“With species such as lions, giraffes, etcetera, and the open savannah feel of our site, it is a much different visitor experience.
"We work very closely together as accredited sites, and we see ourselves complementing each other more within Canterbury."
Hughey added that the two boards are actively working together "on areas that we might cooperate on".
Haydon said it is considering options to attract more visitors long term.
"We want to create those moments of awe and wonder."
That includes "bringing back different elements of drive-thru experiences, with us driving".
Nighttime visiting has also been a popular suggestion, she said.
"We absolutely want to be a site with overnight accommodation and all sorts of things to be truly 24/7."
Looking to the future
Orana Park wanted the council to consider a partnership in the upcoming long-term plan discussions, and a regional asset partnership model across Selwyn, Christchurch, and Waimakariri.
Gliddon asked for a business case for the funding.
"So that we can cast our eye over what the ask is, and make sure that we're holding the right information, because we're responsible for public money," she said.
Haydon said they are working on a funding model for the long-term plan, specifically with the three Canterbury councils.
The park costs about $8.2m a year to run, "if we are doing it properly", Haydon said.
It had 125,000 visitors last year but wants to increase it to 165,000.
Of the school visits, 18% are from Selwyn, 62% from Christchurch, and 20% from Waimakariri.
The highest operational cost is staff, at around 64%, because of the skill and expertise required, she said,
Orana Park also had to pay energy bills, while animal feed cost around $400,000.
Councillor Denise Carrick said there could be an opportunity for promotion in Selwyn.
"You're literally on our doorstep, so you are sort of part of Selwyn."
Hughey, who is originally from Darfield and lives in Prebbleton, said he was shocked by the low number of visitors from Selwyn, considering it's 20 minutes from Rolleston.
Whether it is funded by Selwyn will be a long-term plan discussion.
– Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
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