Government Failing New Zealand Film Industry

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.

“News today that Disney has simply walked away from a studio in Auckland, and the ongoing problems with the Hobbit show the Government needs to act and quickly,” Steve Chadwick said.

“There is obvious tension in the industry and the Government needs to work to develop a plan to move the industry forward.

“National made a great show of having Sir Peter Jackson carry out a review of film New Zealand. But so far they have done nothing with that review and the film industry is clearly in trouble.

“New Zealand’s international reputation as a great place to film movies and television series is in jeopardy and the Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage is doing nothing.

“National have sat on their hands and done nothing while New Zealand’s economy has faltered and now their do nothing attitude is putting the film industry at risk.

“The film industry can potentially bring hundreds of millions of dollars to the New Zealand economy, so why isn’t the National Government working with the sector?

“Labour had approacked National about taking a collaborative approach to working on a plan to ensure the Hobbit was able to be filmed in New Zealand, but they weren’t interested. Just like they seem not to be interested in developing New Zealand’s international reputation as a great place to make movies,” Steve Chadwick said.

ENDS

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