The PS Waimarie's coffers are empty and the iconic paddle steamer could be lost to Wanganui unless it receives some serious financial assistance.
The Waimarie operating trust - one of two trusts which run the Waimarie - appealed to the Wanganui District Council in March for funding help, and councillors will consider that request at today's council meeting.
Council's projects manager Claire Williamson has prepared a report on the PS Waimarie's financial woes for today's meeting.
Ms Williamson's report states the PS Waimarie's situation in the baldest terms: "If funding is not provided, the operating trust will fail, the PS Waimarie and the Riverboat Museum will not be able to operate, and the vessel may be lost to the district."
She said the Waimarie had been operating at loss for a number of years [$25,000 in 2008, down to $67,000 this year] and neither the operating trust nor the restoration trust had any money left to continue operating.
"All funds have either been used or are committed to paying outstanding invoices."
Passenger numbers have declined since 2006, dropping 40 per cent between 2006 and 2010. For the past two years they have stayed steady, at around 9,000 visitors per year.
Ms Williamson's report noted that the PS Waimarie had stopped sailing altogether from Queen's Birthday weekend. It usually operates a weekend-only schedule during the slow winter months.
Staff have been using their annual leave and lieu time as much as possible, but Ms Williamson said this situation could not continue indefinitely.
To add to the troubles, the Waimarie is due for its 10-year survey before it is able to sail next summer. The estimated cost of this is $157,000, and an application has been made to Powerco Wanganui Trust for this amount.
Ms Williamson said the Waimarie would need approximately $70,000 for the next four months to "ensure the continued operation of the Waimarie in the upcoming summer season".
She said the Waimarie has operated since 2000 with no council funding, except for a small amount of impact funding for marketing.
"The council should consider the public good of having the PS Waimarie as an iconic heritage and river-focused attraction in Wanganui for the benefit of both tourists and local residents, and the economic spin-off it provides to local businesses."
Ms Williamson has recommended the council approve funding of up to $70,000, subject to a number of conditions.
PS WAIMARIE
- PS Waimarie was built in 1899 by Yarrow & Co Shipbuilders at Poplar, London, and transported in kitset form to Wanganui. Originally named Aotea, she was operated by the Wanganui Settlers River Steamship Co until 1902, when she was sold to Alexander Hatrick and renamed Waimarie.
- For almost 50 years PS Waimarie, Queen of the River, plied the River between Wanganui and Pipiriki, navigating the rapids and carrying cargo, mail, riverbank dwellers and tourists along this major highway inland.
- After the Whanganui River Road opened in 1935, the river traffic dwindled and finally, Waimarie, in need of a new boiler, was taken out of service in 1949. In 1952 she sank at her mooring in Wanganui. She remained buried in the silt and mud of the river until 1993, when she was salvaged by enthusiastic volunteers and moved into the Whanganui Riverboat Centre for restoration.
- Work began in 1997, and on January 1, 2000 the PS Waimarie was recommissioned for her new life on the Whanganui River.