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National | Arts

TAHUA 2018: Cautious optimism for Arts allocation

New Zealanders involved in the creative arts are awaiting the government's arts allocation in today's budget with cautious optimism.

Last year the National Government allocated $300 million to the New Zealand Screen Industry to support the ongoing productions both nationally and internationally.

$18 million was allocated to the International Screen Production Grant in a bid to bring international productions to New Zealand.

$63.9 million was allocated over the course of four years to ensure the domestic component of the grant continued.

The national representative body of Māori working in screen production, Ngā Aho Whakaari (NAW), welcomed the budget increase.

Labour say they will deliver stable funding to the film sector by creating a ten-year strategy to grow the New Zealand screen industry.

Labour have also said they will support  Māori kaupapa such as:

  • Continuing to support Māori artists, including through Toi Iho
  • Develop further opportunities for young artists to promote their talent and product, such as through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
  • Provide continued support for Māori performing arts through Te Matatini and consider further opportunities to support national competitions in schools to actively uphold the cultural expression of Māori
  • Continue to support national kapa haka competitions at all levels
  • Investigate how best to support national Māori theatre initiatives