Christchurch City Council has voted to seek public input on whether to commit additional funding to Canterbury Museum’s redevelopment project.
The museum’s original budget has risen significantly—from $205 million to $247 million—prompting the Canterbury Museum Trust Board to seek further financial support from both local and central government.
To help cover the $86 million shortfall, the Trust Board has asked ratepayers to contribute an extra $21.1 million spread over the next four years.
Money is also being sought from neighbouring districts, including $1.94 million from Selwyn, $1.66 million from Waimakariri, and just over $223,000 from Hurunui.
Councillor Sam MacDonald was clear that any future funding decision must be matched by contributions from other councils and central government.
“All too often, Christchurch ends up carrying the financial burden,” he said. “If we’re going to move forward with this, it must come with the understanding that others contribute their fair share too.”
MacDonald also questioned the museum’s internal spending.
“I was concerned to see staffing numbers increase while the museum remains closed. Christchurch and Canterbury residents already contribute $9 million a year. There may be savings to be found within.”
He clarified that the upcoming consultation will focus solely on Stage 5 of the redevelopment.
“This is just about Stage 5. If the public supports it, we can proceed. Stage 6 would rely on philanthropic funding, so council wouldn’t be involved financially.”
Council staff had initially recommended turning down the funding request, suggesting instead that the decision be delayed until the 2026/27 Annual Plan.
However, councillors felt the matter was too significant to decide without first hearing from the public—especially with a January deadline looming to lock in current pricing for the next stage of the project.
Mayor Phil Mauger said public consultation would give councillors clearer direction.
“We’ll go out for consultation. Hopefully we’ll hear clearly—yes or no—what the public wants. Then we’ll know how to proceed,” he said. “We could make a decision today, but it could be either popular or unpopular. It’s better to hear it from the people directly.”
Mauger added that the cost for the museum fit-out—what the council has been asked to contribute toward—has already been priced and secured for three years, as long as construction proceeds by January.
Councillor Mark Peters supported the move to consult the community.
“I’m really pleased we’ve reached this point. It’ll be interesting to see the public sentiment,” he said. “We’ve seen what happened with the cathedral, which is now mothballed. I’d hate to see the museum end up the same way.”
Peters said the community’s response could help give the museum the certainty it needs to move forward.
Councillor Tim Scandrett agreed that residents should be heard but urged that funding support from partner councils be secured.
“I want to hear from the public and I’ll keep an open mind. But if the public supports this, the museum must ensure our partners—our three neighbours—contribute their share. We can’t keep placing the burden solely on Christchurch ratepayers, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.”
Councillor Aaron Keown welcomed public input but expressed concern over the museum’s future business model.
“I don’t like cost blowouts—they’re common in the city. I’m happy to hear what the public says, but I also want to see a revised operating model from the museum,” he said. “Museums are entertainment attractions, like many others globally. The best ones have queues and charge significant entry fees.”
Keown said Christchurch could look to overseas models where residents enter for free while tourists pay more.
“There’s one in LA with three full-sized T. rex skeletons—the only one of its kind. Tourists like me pay US$27 to enter, but locals get in free because they already help fund it. That’s a good model.”
