Supercity Implications for the Arts Sector

Are you interested in the wellbeing of the Auckland region under a new supercity governance structure? You might well be concerned about this -

“Rodney Hide has Cabinet approval to look into law changes that will strip local council spending back to core services rather than cultural, environmental and social expenditure.” NZ Herald June 9 2009

Auckland’s wellbeing involves community and arts centres, and many other resources. Under the current Local Government Act, the councils are obligated to provide for and support the wellbeing. Changes to this Act leave services and organisations in a vulnerable position.

The Creative People’s Centre has been active in creating awareness for the future of the arts under a supercity structure, through the websites, as well as meetings with arts organisations throughout the region. We are concerned about what implications there may be for the arts infrastructure. Currently the arts infrastructure throughout the Auckland region receives significant support from their local councils. This infrastructure includes organisations that occupy council owned buildings, or who receive operational grants that allow for the provision of services to the arts community. Then there are those who receive project funding or other resources which facilitate activities, events or services that enhance community. This support strengthens and enhances the arts sector, provides opportunities, and includes a diverse range of practitioners, groups, organisations and audiences. The loss of this key support by councils could result in a sizeable reduction in services provided by both core and smaller arts centres and networks.

The submissions have closed for the second bill, and submissions for the third and final bill will closein October 2009, to be passed by May 2010. The third bill will provide for the ongoing governance structure, functions, roles and powers of council and local boards, and detailed legislative framework for governance arrangements. The future of the community sector will be determined by the content of this Bill.

The purpose of the third bill is for what powers the local boards have, their roles, etc. The government also intends to introduce a third bill other establishment matters for the Auckland Council and affected council organisations. It is also likely to provide transitional measures for existing bylaws, policies and plans.

The Auckland Transitional Agency (ATA) already has powers to make decisions and change is moving quickly. Plenty of valuable work can be done before the final submission process. It’s important to be in touch with your Auckland MPs, not just your elected MP, about what your concerns are, and also to let them know of good work you are doing. It’s vital to promote what is working well within arts, social and environmental groups, to illustrate what needs preserving.

Remember that the supercity will happen – so it can also mean that this is an opportunity to make positive changes too, and connect more widely with the region. This means reaching across the board too, and connecting the areas of wellbeing in our city that are under threat.

Please visit the Creative People’s site regularly, as we will be posting lots of information of the coming weeks and months. Remember to sign up to the newsletter, and don’t hesitate to be in touch about ways you can make a difference.

www.cpc.org.nz

ENDS

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