Christchurch city councillors have approved up to $1.2 million for Orana Wildlife Park, giving the financially troubled attraction time to continue operating while its longer term future is considered.

The Finance and Performance Committee voted 13 to 3 on Wednesday to provide the funding from the council’s forecast operating surplus.

The money is expected to be paid in two installments during the second half of the 2026/27 financial year.

Payment will depend on the council receiving Orana’s half year financial results, the park remaining open and satisfactory progress being made on its Financial Sustainability and Recovery Plan.

Orana announced this month that it needed approximately $4.1 million during the current financial year to secure its immediate future.

Its available cash reserves are forecast to be exhausted by March 2027 without additional support. An independent assessment by BDO estimated the annual shortfall could increase to between $4.6 million and $5.6 million during each of the following five years.

Council staff described the situation as a structural funding problem rather than a temporary cash flow issue.

Christchurch City Councillor Mark Peters said the $1.2 million would allow the park to operate until residents could have their say through the council’s next Long Term Plan. “This buys us the time to get through to that Long Term Plan, so that we can hear from the people of Christchurch.”

Peters said the consultation would allow residents to decide whether continued council support for Orana should become a priority or whether they were prepared to see the park wound down.

Councillor Tim Scandrett supported the funding but said Christchurch ratepayers should not be expected to carry the regional attraction alone. “It’s now time for Selwyn and Waimak to stand up and be counted. Our ratepayers cannot continually carry the burden.”

Christchurch City Councillor Aaron Keown said Orana provided conservation and educational opportunities which most children could not experience elsewhere.

Keown acknowledged ongoing public support could reach about $5 million annually, but said the cost would be more manageable if it were shared among Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri households.

Christchurch City Councillor Nathaniel Herz-Jardine opposed the grant, warning the initial contribution could lead to a much larger and continuing commitment.

He said Auckland and Wellington zoos required about $5 million a year in direct council funding, even after ticket sales, donations and other revenue were taken into account.

“I just really don’t think we should start something if we’re not prepared to finish it.”

He argued council spending should remain focused on roads, three waters, affordable housing, community facilities and biodiversity projects that could deliver greater environmental benefits.

Herz-Jardine also questioned whether enough residents were supporting Orana through ticket purchases, saying the park would not face the same funding gap if half of Christchurch visited once each year.

The council had already allocated several years of financial support to Orana through its Strengthening Communities and Capital Endowment funds.

The 2024 funding package included $240,000 annually for three years, $310,000 for maintenance and professional advice, and a further $500,000 in each of the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years.

Council documents show neighbouring councils had previously declined to participate in a regional funding arrangement.

Central government has also rejected the prospect of a rescue package, with Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour telling chrislynchmedia.com that national taxpayers should not be required to keep the park operating.

Orana is New Zealand’s only open range zoo and is operated by the charitable Orana Wildlife Trust.

The park remains open and has said no decision has been made to close.