Labour

Participation in the arts at an early age is essential for our children’s creative and cognitive development, says Labour’s Arts, Culture and Heritage spokesperson Steve Chadwick.

Policy changes making it easier for overseas actors to work in New Zealand are arrogant and out of touch and signal more home-grown job losses, Labour’s Immigration spokesperson Ruth Dyson says.

The Government’s weak response to the review of the New Zealand Film Commission is further evidence of National’s lack of commitment to our film and television industry, says Labour’s Arts, Culture and Heritage spokesperson Steve Chadwick.

The Government has missed another opportunity to respond to the review of the New Zealand Film Commission, instead opting again to tinker around the edges of arts policy with no sign of a robust plan for the sector, says Labour’s Arts, Culture and Heritage spokesperson Steve Chadwick.

Clearer steps are needed around the review process for Christchurch’s heritage buildings, Labours Arts, Culture and Heritage spokesperson Steve Chadwick said today.

Following question time today it is apparent that Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Christopher Finlayson was unaware of an offer of assistance from international heritage experts Blue Shield.

Steve Chadwick has today paid tribute to well-known New Zealand scriptwriter Graeme Tetley who recently passed away.

“While the New Zealand film industry is fortunate to have so many talented people the death of such a well-respected individual still hits the industry hard,” Steve Chadwick said.

The news that a number of Wellington based arts organisations have been funded under the new Arts Leadership Programme is welcome, but others, who have a good track record of quality performance, are still uncertain as to their future, Grant Robertson MP for Wellington Central said.

While it’s welcome that the filming of The Hobbit is to stay in New Zealand, the Government’s tardy response shows it still has no long-term plans to respond to the review of the New Zealand Film Commission, says Labour’s Arts, Culture and Heritage spokesperson Steve Chadwick.

Labour Arts, Culture and Heritage spokesperson Steve Chadwick says the Government’s lack of economic planning is responsible for a developing crisis in the New Zealand film industry.

Labour Arts, Culture and Heritage spokesperson Steve Chadwick is today supporting calls for producers of the Hobbit to meet with union representatives over pay and conditions on the movie.

"This movie represents hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars to the New Zealand economy, and it’s important that this stand-off be resolved quickly," Steve Chadwick said.