Newspaper Article 1995 – Napier museum to change hands

Napier museum to change hands

A new approach to funding the Hawke’s Bay Cultural Trust based on a landlord-tenant relationship with the Napier City Council and Hastings District Council is “a significant landmark decision”, says Napier mayor Alan Dick.

Yesterday the Napier council’s policy committee agreed to the funding policy which will result in the ownership of the museum building, including the Century Theatre, being transferred from the trust to the council.

Instead of the present peppercorn rental the trust will be charged full market rental although the rent is to be treated as a book entry recorded against the council’s operating grant.

The trust will also receive an annual grant, funded equally by both councils to cover long-term, programmed maintenance.

Refurbishment of existing buildings, repairs, external maintenance and new building will be funded by the council within those areas the building is located.

The cost of new equipment and projects is to be funded equally by the two councils after fund-raising and sponsorship are taken into account.

Insurance on buildings and grounds maintenance will be the responsibility of each council owner.

Chief executive Neil Taylor said the staff of both councils had worked together closely on the new funding policy.

Mr Dick said it gave the trust greater financial certainty and provided a far more satisfactory process of trust accountability to the funding authorities.

The new funding method will require changes to the trust’s founding deed

Photo caption – Mr Dick . . . landmark decision.