Karori sanctuary backer hits out at price rises

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BIRD'S EYE VIEW: An artist's impression of the new Zealandia visitor centre, which tells the story of conservation through interactive displays.

The hefty price rise at Karori's wildlife sanctuary has a former supporter squawking in protest.

Wellington ratepayers have already stumped up more than $8 million in operational funding for the sanctuary since 2000, with another $740,000 to follow, and a $10m interest-free loan.

The Dominion Post reported yesterday that some entrances fees to Zealandia would almost double with the opening of a new $17m visitor centre on April 2.

The price increases are to cover the cost of the new centre – which will include a cafe and exhibitions that tell the story of New Zealand conservation – and are intended eventually to make Zealandia financially self-sufficient.

But former sanctuary supporter Tina Hailstone, who helped to secure $300,000 of support from Contact Energy, condemned the price rise yesterday as crazy.

Most of the people who went to the sanctuary were not wealthy tourists but students or local people with children, who would struggle with the new cost, Ms Hailstone, of Karori, said.

She believed the trust behind Zealandia had lost its way. "As a conservation project that attracted tourists, great. As a tourist attraction ... let's face it, it's not Disneyland. They've over-adopted a commercial model. It's like Te Papa but not free."

Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin said Zealandia would need to have some kind of free day to sell the experience. "I hope they've done their research well. People are really thinking about what they spend their money on at the moment and visiting [Zealandia] would not be at the top of the list."

Karori Sanctuary Trust chief executive Nancy McIntosh-Ward expected the centre to increase visitor numbers from 75,000 to 190,000 within three years. "Every business has risks," she said. "But if you don't grow you have exactly the same risk and you might even be worse off."

Zealandia, a not-for-profit organisation, was not just an attraction. It was also supporting conservation work that cost $2m a year to maintain, she said.

Eventually, she hoped any additional money could be used to start new conservation projects. "It's a state-of the art, interactive exhibition with an educational focus. What we're trying to do is influence visitors in terms of their [conservation] behaviour in their own backyard."

- © Fairfax NZ News