Extending Glassworks opening days would cost extra $30,000

NZ Glassworks does not open on public holidays.

Opening New Zealand Glassworks on public holidays and over the summer break would cost an extra $30,000.

The Whanganui District Council-run facility at present closes on holidays and between December 23 and January 8 but concerns have been raised that it is not available to tourists when they want to visit.

At this month's property and community services committee meeting, councillor Graeme Young said people had tried to visit NZ Glassworks on Wellington Anniversary this year but couldn't.

However, a council report said history had shown few economic benefits of being open on such days.

Council libraries and community manager Pete Gray said that on Wellington Anniversary last year only four people visited the facility and no sales were made.

"The staff costs far outweigh the income generated from being open," Mr Gray said.

"If council feels they want to be open on public holidays ... then council needs to say that's what we want and we're going to make the budget available."

Extending Glassworks opening days would require an extra permanent part-time assistant and a casual technical assistant.

Deputy mayor Jenny Duncan said there could be ways to extend opening days for less than $30,000.

"I think we should look at what days it's currently closed, particularly over that Christmas period," she said.

"I'm not in any way, shape or form saying it should be every day that it's currently closed.

"I'm sure the number will come in considerably below that $30,000.

"I don't necessarily expect that retail sales would match up with that so there will be an initial cost but I just think it's an exercise that's worth conducting."