Indicators to Monitor NZ's Cultural Sector

Embargoed until 10:45am – 1 August 2006

Indicators to Monitor New Zealand's Cultural Sector

Released today by Statistics New Zealand, Cultural Indicators for New Zealand: 2006 provides a wideranging snapshot of the country's cultural activity. The new report identifies specific indicators that can be used to monitor the health of New Zealand's cultural sector. These indicators are grouped around five theme areas which broadly reflect outcomes the government seeks to achieve for the cultural sector as a whole.

One theme relates to New Zealanders' engagement in cultural activities – as participants, consumers and creators – and explores their access to cultural activities and the extent to which these are valued.

The report shows that buying books, using public libraries and purchasing recorded music are some of the most popular cultural activities. It also shows that between 1996 and 2001 the number of people in cultural employment grew more than for all other occupations. The report also identifies areas for development in future reports on cultural indicators.

Cultural Indicators for New Zealand: 2006 is part of an initiative to make statistics available over a range of cultural sector areas. The report was produced together with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage as part of a joint cultural statistics programme.

The new report contributes significantly to the quality of information available to government and key decision makers, as well as to the sector itself. The full report is available on the Statistics New Zealand website (www.stats.govt.nz).

Geoff Bascand
Acting Government Statistician

ENDS

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