AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL
MEDIA RELEASE
7 November 2006
City ensures orchestra will continue to play
Auckland City Council has committed an additional $250,000 to ensure the continuation of the Auckland Philharmonia
Orchestra until ongoing regional funding is secured.
‘Thanks to Auckland City Council, Aucklanders from all over the region can continue to enjoy the experience of a world
class orchestra at a town hall near you,” says Councillor Penny Sefuiva, Chair of the Arts, Culture and Recreation
Committee.
“It is extremely disappointing that other regional bodies have not dug sufficiently deep to help. Auckland City’s
contribution will keep the organisation going this year until a permanent funding solution can be found,” she says.
In 2005/06, Auckland City contributed $500,000 to the orchestra as it did again in 2006/07. The additional grant will
bring the total funding package from Auckland ratepayers to $750,000 this financial year. Total funding from other
councils in the region was $90,000, yet 50% of attendees are from other local authority areas.
For this reason, Auckland City is supporting a regional funding Bill, being promoted by the organisations who stand to
benefit from the new legislation. This would see their funding secured on an ongoing basis. It is estimated it may take
two years for this type of funding to be approved.
“We are working hard with all parties to find a permanent funding solution that is equitable for our ratepayers. That
way our children and grandchildren will be able to continue enjoying this wonderful cultural asset.”
Ends