Calls for arts levy in Kaikōura

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

There are fresh calls for Kaikōura ratepayers to directly fund arts and culture via a special levy.

The Kaikōura District Council has been looking into the option of introducing a targeted rate to fund the Kaikōura Museum and the Mayfair theatre.

The idea was first floated by a public presentation to a council meeting in April.

For now the museum and the Mayfair compete for funding each year with other community groups for the council’s $100,000 discretionary fund.

Mayfair Arts and Culture Centre Te Whare Toi o Kaikōura board chairperson John Wyatt said arts and heritage has a valuable role in the community.

‘‘We think the ability of the arts to gather people together is important for health and wellbeing.

‘‘It is not about putting on events as such, it is about people being able to come here and just sit and look at an exhibition and the view.

‘‘It is a place where you feel safe and welcome and you are able to engage with the arts and be entertained.’’

Council staff have advised a targeted rate would need to be considered as part of a Long Term Plan process, with the next one being in 2027.

The Kaikōura Museum is run by the Kaikōura Historical Society and has been housed on the ground floor of the council building since November 2016.

The former Mayfair Theatre suffered extensive damage in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016.

After extensive fundraising, it reopened in 2020 as an arts and culture centre, hosting art exhibitions and live shows, as well as movie screenings.

Wyatt said the Mayfair team was keen to work with the council to come up with some artworks to place along the Kaikōura Link Pathway, along the waterfront.

‘‘We have always imagined we’d like some public art, maybe a couple of sculptures and seating across the road from here to complement the natural art.’’

While the council had indicated it has funding left over from the $2.1 million project, Wyatt said there were other funding sources the trust could tap into.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.