Funding

When the estate was gifted to the nation by Lord and Lady Bledisloe in 1932, it was their vision that it be self-sufficient, so that its administration and management would not be a burden on the taxpayer.

Therefore since 1932 the estate has been held independently in trust, governed by the Waitangi National Trust Board, and visitor admission charges to the historic Treaty Grounds and its buildings have been vital to the preservation and development of The Birthplace of our Nation.

"Back at the beginning", says CEO Jeanette Richardson, "the first Waitangi National Trust board faced the challenge of rescuing the historic, gifted Treaty House from a dilapidated state "Today we celebrate a beautifully preserved and restored Treaty House, a magnificently carved whare runanga, the world’s largest Maori waka, and grounds alive with nearly a quarter of a million visitors annually”. 

On 1 October 2008, admission charges were removed for New Zealand residents.

“The financial guidance of trust boards since 1932 and, more recently, the expertise of a dedicated executive team have enabled us to welcome home our own people free of charge. We thank those who have paid to enter over the decades, and whose money has been used wisely and carefully to develop and preserve the great gift of the Bledisloes,” says Ms Richardson.

Today, admission revenue from non-residents and income from the sale of guided tours and cultural performances are used to maintain and operate the estate and to develop its facilities, to safeguard its treasures and for educational purposes. Income is also derived from sympathetic commercial activity such as leasing sites and buildings to accommodation and hospitality operators and sports clubs. An Endowment Forest of some 1300 acres provides a backdrop to the estate and is also a minor contributor to its operating expenses.

Donations (koha) are most welcome and are much appreciated.

 

Download the latest annual report summary (PDF 728 KB).