Surf life-savers and orchestra to share $350,000 from ARC

The Auckland Regional Council is extending a helping hand to struggling surf lifesaving and orchestral groups.

ARC focuses on cultural heritage and parks rather than giving money to arts and cultural organisations but has come under pressure to honour a statutory obligation to do its bit for the overall wellbeing of people in the region.

Yesterday, the council took the first step to funding regional organisations by amending its long-term budget to give $350,000 a year between the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and Surf Life Saving Northern Region from 2007-08.

Chairman Mike Lee said the move was conditional on local councils continuing to financially support the organisations.

Some councillors were reluctant to return to the days of ARC annual grants. But the ARC needed to make a gesture to show local councils that it was willing to make a commitment to "our other duties".

Mr Lee said grants would need to be approved during each year's budget debates in light of ratepayers' views.

Orchestra chief executive Barbara Glasser said she was delighted. "We need ongoing support to continue to function."

Last year the orchestra's finances were shored by additional grants from Auckland City Council of $200,000 and Creative New Zealand, $300,000. It faces a shortfall for the end of this year of about $250,000.

Surf Life Saving Northern Region chief executive Steve Johns said the ARC gesture was "fantastic".

The organisation needs $1.7 million this year to maintain services and training and about $350,000 comes from local councils.