21 June 1999

Significance Of National Identity Recognised

Combining culture and heritage into one portfolio is a significant step forward and is a recognition of the importance of New Zealand's national identity, the new Minister for Culture and Heritage, Hon Marie Hasler said today.

"Our national identity is vitally important in promoting social cohesion and economic growth and this new emphasis is a positive move," Ms Hasler said.

"With these portfolios under one umbrella it will be easier to plan strategically to ensure greater promotion and protection of our distinctive identity. This move will help us to celebrate, foster and protect our cultural and historical legacy.

"Our sense of identity is what binds our nation together and encourages the creative capacity to allow our nation to grow and change, both socially and economically."

Ms Hasler said the detail of how the new Ministry will function is being worked on, and as Minister for Culture and Heritage she will be ensuring a more coordinated approach to cultural and heritage objectives.

This includes the preservation and access to the nation's cultural heritage through the Historic Places Trust, Te Papa, the National Library, the National Archives and historic publications, coupled with the direct support of broadcasting, film, orchestral and other music, and visual and performing arts.

Ends

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>