October 21, 2024

Championing Creativity and Māori Identity: The Key to Tāmaki Makaurau’s Future

Ngawai Kaire Posted On October 21, 2024

Our creative sector in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is under pressure, and the stakes are high. Supporting the creative industries isn’t just a cultural priority—it’s an economic lifeline. Right now, the contributions of our artists and creatives are being overlooked. Recently I’ve spoken with key figures in the arts—everyone from theatre directors to publishers—and they all say the same thing: we need continued investment. In today’s political climate, our creative sector needs our awhi more than ever.

Backing Tāmaki Makaurau’s creative sector is essential, not only for its economic benefits but also for elevating Aotearoa’s reputation as a vibrant, innovative nation on the global stage. A thriving creative scene attracts international visitors, boosting our local economy through performances, museums, and cultural festivals—not to mention the kai they enjoy and the beds they sleep in along the way.

In the year to July 2024, 2.2 million international visitors came through Tāmaki Makaurau. And guess what? Māori culture is a massive drawcard. The State of the City report says Māori heritage is seen as the third most valuable asset by tourists. But for locals, it doesn’t even make the top ten. That’s a missed opportunity. We need to value and nurture our unique identity at home as much as we do for the world.

The sector is a powerful economic driver for Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa. According to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage it contributes over $16 billion to Aotearoa’s GDP, with Auckland alone generating nearly half of that. The Māori arts and creative sector is growing even faster, with a 6.5% annual increase. More than 50,000 people, including 5,000 Māori, work in creative roles across Auckland. This sector drives economic activity, supports whānau, and enhances the cultural landscape.

But it’s not just about numbers and tourists. The arts are woven into our daily lives. In just three months, 40% of us watched a locally made movie, 68% listened to New Zealand music, and 21% attended a live performance. The arts bring us together, foster local talent, and strengthen our shared identity.

We believe in investing in creative industries to enrich society, enhance the cultural experiences of locals, and boost tourism. By nurturing homegrown talent and ensuring that creativity continues to flourish, we can keep the arts and our culture at the heart of our city’s identity. It is brand Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and a beacon of creativity and innovation for us all to celebrate.