Church income drops
Church finances in former tourism hot spots are taking a beating from the coronavirus pandemic as income from collection plates and weddings plummets.
Tekapo’s Church of the Good Shepherd used to receive more than $100,000 a year from visitor donations and weddings so the border closure and lockdown restrictions on gatherings are having a big impact.
Church of the Good Shepherd minister Andrew McDonald said an estimated
600,000 to 700,000 people a year visited the church, and while they did not necessarily enter the building, many still made donations. ‘‘They would drop anything from a $2 coin to a $50 note in the box.’’
The lakeside location also made the historic church a sought-after location for weddings, and until recently it hosted up to
50 a year, mostly involving overseas couples happy to pay the $1200 fee.
The church also charged for photo shoots in the grounds and was running a trial astrophotography tour with the nearby Dark Sky Project star-gazing attraction.
But about $60,000 annually came from visitor donations and McDonald said they were exploring alternative sources to avoid making cut backs.
‘‘I don’t think the Mackenzie parish would have a full time minister if it wasn’t for the donations, it’s very significant.’’
The huge increase in tourists in recent years led to environmental damage around the church and concerns about the disrespectful behaviour of some visitors.
While the abrupt drop in numbers presented financial challenges, McDonald said it was an opportunity to ‘‘take a deep breath’’ and focus on the local church community. ‘‘We’re back to basics.’’
The Wakatipu Anglican parish in Queenstown is also facing a big drop in income. St Peter’s church in Queenstown and St Paul’s in Arrowtown held between 40 and 55 nuptials and blessings annually, charging up to $1500 for wedding ceremonies and $600 for blessings.
Vicar Dr David Wright said the fall in revenue came at a time when demand for services was rising.
‘‘There are a lot of families who are finding it difficult because there’s an uncertain future for their jobs and incomes, and we need to be available as a group of churches in Queenstown to provide pastoral help and support.’’