Funding boost to extend NZ Glassworks opening days

New Zealand Glassworks manager Scott Redding will be able to call on more staff after a funding boost.

A $34,000 ratepayer funding boost will allow New Zealand Glassworks to open every day and be adequately staffed.

The staffing shortfall came to council after concerns were raised that people wanting to visit the facility on Wellington Anniversary were unable to do so because it was closed.

The glassworks closes on all statutory holidays and for two weeks over Christmas and New Year.

But council's property and community services committee voted on Tuesday to increase funding to the facility so it could hire more staff and open year-round.

From July, NZ Glassworks will open all but three days a year which Whanganui District Council's libraries and community manager Pete Gray said brought it in line with the Sarjeant Gallery.

The funding boost will almost double the amount of ratepayer money the facility receives in the next year but committee chairwoman Helen Craig said it was important to fund the facility properly.

"This is one of our flagships. This is the reason we've invested and to have it closed on those public holidays is really crazy," she said.

"I understand why the decision was made to do so but now we're up and running, it's on it's feet and it's drawing the people."

Meanwhile Mr Gray said it was also about addressing the number of continuous days staff were working.

NZ Glassworks is operated by manager Scott Redding and one other staff member and Mr Redding told councillors he had done an 18-day stretch to cover leave.

"Technically I'm only allowed to work 10," Mr Redding said.

Mr Gray said casual staffing was not an option because of the training needed.

"That person actually needs to be trained up in how to operate the equipment, all the health and safety policies we have in place while also running the gallery."

Council chief executive Kym Fell said it was not a lot of money to fix what was an obvious shortfall.

"This is $34,000 to be able to keep the gallery open for those particular days and to ensure our staff can have a break," he said.

"This is really not worth the time that has gone into debate so far. It's still running on the smell of an oily rag."