Many of New Zealand’s regional museums and galleries have been facing real financial pressures over the last few years, including Aratoi.
Over the past two years, Aratoi has had to find new ways of supporting itself as funding has shrunk. Introducing modest entry fees, renting out meeting rooms, commission on artworks sold and annual fundraising exhibitions are all ways that Aratoi have created revenue.
One of the most successful ways to increase internal revenue is by linking up with Wairarapa businesses who can offer sponsorships, new funding streams and naming rights to galleries. So far, three of the five Aratoi’s galleries are named by Wairarapa businesses.
Our most recent collaboration is with NorthCo Insurance Brokers who have included Aratoi in their Community Funder’s Scheme.
“Through Northco Insurance Brokers' Community Funding Scheme, existing NorthCo clients can nominate Aratoi as their chosen community organisation, helping generate an annual contribution to the Museum through their insurance arrangements,” says Amanda Woodmass, NorthCo’s Managing Director and Financial Adviser.
“The Funding Scheme is our way of recognising and supporting the people, businesses, and community groups that make the Wairarapa such a great place,” she says. “Community groups that insure with us can be nominated to receive a contribution from a portion of the revenue we receive, creating a simple way to give back to the organisations that support our region.”
Sarah McClintock, Aratoi Director is thrilled with the new funding source and says partnerships like this will be the new normal for museums if they want to survive and have a sustainable future.
“Aratoi is more than a museum,” she says. “It is where our community comes together, where our artists find their audience, and where our history and taonga are protected for generations to come. It is the cultural heart of the Wairarapa. Aratoi exists to serve this community — and we intend to keep doing that well into the future.”
NorthCo Insurance Brokers funding scheme will allow Aratoi to continue to care for its almost 3500 pieces of art, social and natural history objects and taonga.
“It means so much to have a local business such as NorthCo Insurance Brokers back Aratoi and what we do” says Sarah. “We share a love for the Wairarapa and know that protecting what makes this place special is something we all believe in.”
Amanda continues, “Aratoi is a wonderful asset to have in the region. We are very lucky to have a highly regarded museum on our doorstep, and we want it to thrive. Through the Funding Scheme, Aratoi benefits with no extra cost to our clients. Whether it's your home, contents, vehicle, farm, business, or lifestyle property insurance, your policies can help provide valuable funding to Aratoi.”
NorthCo Insurance Brokers is a Wairarapa based advisory business providing personalised service for individuals and businesses looking for advice on protecting their families, their business and their savings. Northco was established in 1981 as Graeme Northcott and Associates.
“Now more than 40 years later we continue to uphold the same values, placing the client at the centre of everything we do,” says Amanda. “Support local and let your insurance make a real difference to the community you love.”