New Zealand Budget plans for more Kiwi acts to tour globally

The New Zealand government’s Budget yesterday displayed the far-sightedness that the recent Australian Federal budget failed to deliver.

“New Zealand’s music culture is also an important facet of our identity,” commented Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

“I am delighted that Budget 2018 recognises this with a $2.6 million increase in operating funding over four years for the New Zealand Music Commission.

“This investment significantly increases support for our musicians to tour internationally, puts more resource into increasing New Zealand’s music exports, and increases opportunities for our young people to gain skills in the music sector.”

Ardern said that this underlines the essential role the cultural sector plays in the wellbeing of our society.

She pointed out, “Arts and culture are not a ‘nice to have’. They are an essential part of our individual, community and national identity.

“For too long they have been treated differently when it comes to sustainable growth, career paths and economic benefits.

“There is increasing evidence of the many benefits of cultural participation in areas such as health and education, and of its value to social cohesion and community resilience.

“My ambition for the arts, culture and heritage portfolio is threefold – to have an environment where we no longer question the value of the arts, to have young people who consider careers in the arts as viable, and for all communities to have easy access to cultural experiences.

“Delivering on that means building the capacity of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage to lead a bold work programme that results in a thriving cultural sector and sustainable careers for those choosing to work in it.

“It will look at a 10-year strategy to grow our screen industry, the best ways to re-invigorate the Pathways to Arts and Cultural Employment (PACE) initiative, and how the creative sector can help foster talent and inspire young people through the school curriculum.”

As a result, the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage’s baseline gets its first significant funding increase in ten years.

“Additional operating funding of $23.3 million over the next four years will address the numerous challenges and pressures the organisation has been facing.,” she stated.

With New Zealand set to be the first country in the world to observe the Armistice Day centenary, one-off operating funding of $400,000 has been granted for the commemorations – which will include music.