New Zealand Glassworks see increases in revenue, visitor numbers and workshop interest

The number of visitors to Glassworks is up 33 per cent on the year to June 2019. Photo / Bevan Conley

Business is booming for New Zealand Glassworks with a 33 per cent increase in visitors in the year to June.

In the year to June 2019, 27,413 people walked through the door, which is up 6700 people on the year to June 2018.

"I've been really pleased with how Glassworks has gone in the last three years and we just keep going from strength to strength," manager Scott Redding told the Whanganui District Council's property and community services committee meeting on Tuesday.

"The reputation of the facility is grown well here in our own community and nationally, and we are starting to grow a greater international reputation too."

Redding said sales had increased by at least $70,000 this year and that interest in workshops had grown, with a workshop booked every weekend until the end of the year.

New Zealand Glassworks manager Scott Redding says the studio is going from strength to strength. Photo / File

Redding said a gap between beginner classes and tertiary education which could be developed with the support of Creative New Zealand.

Hosting international artists is seen as another opportunity to grow through Creative New Zealand, which the studio is in the process of applying for an art grant from.

The Glassworks operating cost for 2018-2019 was $560,536, and was funded by gallery sales, facility hire, events, sponsorship and rates.

Total income exclusive of rates for the 2018-2019 year was $478,520, and increase of 16 per cent of the previous period.

The cost to the ratepayer to fund its operation dropped year on year, from $92,827 in 2017-2018, to $82,016 in 2018-2019, and a cost of $74,025 in the current year's Annual Plan.

Councillor Philippa Baker-Hogan said she considered it costing ratepayers around $150,000 when given Glassworks' $80,000 GasNet sponsorship that would otherwise be income to Council.

A full report around future operation options for the studio will be presented to a council committee after October's local body elections.