Ferrymead Heritage Park Implements Staffing Cuts Amid Funding Shortfall

Ferrymead Heritage Park has reduced staff hours as part of a cost-cutting strategy following the rejection of a funding application to the Christchurch City Council. The park had sought $320,000 from the council’s strengthening communities fund, which has provided a total of $1.5 million over the past decade. General manager Ian France expressed disappointment at the outcome, stating, “We were disappointed, a bit surprised as well.”

The reduction in hours primarily affects two full-time positions in the maintenance and education departments. One staff member has since left the park for a new opportunity, leaving a total of five full-time employees. France confirmed that while the park is not planning additional layoffs, it is exploring other cost-saving measures and alternative income sources, such as corporate sponsorships and grants.

In September, the park adjusted its admission prices, increasing them by $5. Adults are now charged $20, while children aged between 5 and 15 pay $15. The park is currently seeking to recruit two or three casual staff members and has posted advertisements for volunteers on the Volunteering Canterbury website. France noted that the park has welcomed six new volunteers recently.

The park is also in the process of restructuring its board. Two directors and a trustee have resigned over the past year, prompting the search for external directors to join the trust board and the company. In addition, Ferrymead Heritage Park is preparing to present a revised funding request for the city council’s 2026-27 Annual Plan. France anticipates that the park’s funding request will be significantly lower than this year’s application, which will be focused on addressing long-overdue infrastructure repairs and developing new exhibits.

“It’s about how do you enhance the visitor experience,” said France, emphasizing the park’s commitment to improving what it offers to visitors.

Looking ahead, Ferrymead Heritage Park is gearing up for several key events, including the Nostalgia event scheduled for February and the celebration of the 175th Canterbury anniversary on December 13 and 14. Recently, the park celebrated a successful Halloween event that raised $24,000, marking it as the park’s largest event in two years. Alongside a night market held that weekend, France estimated that around 2,000 people visited the park, demonstrating strong community support.

As Ferrymead Heritage Park navigates its financial challenges, the focus remains on enhancing visitor engagement and securing a sustainable future.