The NZNMM often receives enquiries from students (etc) about the administration of the Museum. Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions. This FAQ will be added to from time to time.

Is the NZ National Maritime Museum run by the government?

Who are the trustees of the NZNMM Trust Board?

So where does the finance come from?

And how is it spent?

How many staff do you have?

How many volunteers and what do they do?

What benefits do Volunteers get?

Who owns the museum itself?

Can you borrow books from the library?

Is the NZ National Maritime Museum run by the government?
No, the NZNMM is operated by the New Zealand National Maritime Museum Trust Board, a private charitable trust. In fact the museum receives no governmental operating finance though it does receive a grant from the Auckland City Council towards operating costs.

Who are the trustees of the NZNMM Trust Board?
There are up to 16 elected members and 5 ex-officio trustees representing Auckland City, The RNZ Yacht Squadron, The Royal NZ Navy, Ngati Whatua and the Regional Council.

So where does the finance come from?
The NZNMM has an operating budget of around $2 million per annum. Income comes from local government (principally Auckland City) (30%), admission charges (17%) and from commercial activities including rental of parts of the museum property (53%) (all figures are approximate)

And how is it spent?
Around 17% is spent on rent and rates (looking at it another way, every ticket sale goes to pay the rent!); about 25% on salaries and the remainder on running the museum.

How many staff do you have?
Have a look at the staff page; there are 13 staff directly employed by the museum. Functions such as security, ticket sales and cleaning are contracted out. On a given day there will be about 20 FTE (full time equivalent) positions being worked at the museum (including volunteers).

How many volunteers and what do they do?
There are about 200 volunteers. The museum could not achieve what it does without them. Volunteers are:  trustees, boats crews, guides, researchers, modelmakers, education assistants, boat maintainers and restorers (etc). They also help out with administrative tasks like stuffing envelopes for mail-outs

What benefits do Volunteers get?
The "sheer giddy fun" of doing a service to the museum and the community. Seriously, this IS an important benefit, but they receive the same benefits as NZNMM Friends, parking or public transport costs are refunded. It is voluntary work in the true sense. The museum endeavours to treat volunteers well and to imbue a sense of worthy service fulfilled.   [on the website]

Who owns the museum itself?
The wharf (Hobson Wharf) and the land, upon which the museum buildings sit are leased from Ports of Auckland Ltd.  The buildings are owned by the Trust Board. Items purchased by the museum are owned by the Trust Board. Artefacts which are donated are held 'in trust' by the museum. Items on loan remain the property of the lender.  

Can you borrow books from the library?
The maritime library is arguably the best maritime library in the country but it is a reference library and books are not lent out. However, the library is open to the public (for a small charge - Friends admitted free) on Thursdays and by appointment.

Are there any other questions which you would like answered here?

Please email your enquiry to us

 
[Back to Top]