Wellington mayoral candidate Andrew Little has today released his policy to reinvigorate the events and festivals scene, pledging to reorientate the council toward a can-do approach and use all levers to support arts and culture in the capital.

Andrew Little says Wellington has a proud history as the arts and culture capital of New Zealand, nurturing Flight of the Conchords, Fat Freddy's Drop and a film industry that amazes the world. But many venues have closed and young creative people are being priced out of living in Wellington.

“I want to reclaim Wellington’s place as New Zealand’s leader for arts, culture and entertainment, to provide opportunities for people to build great careers here and make the city a more vibrant place to be,” Andrew Little said.

“We all know Wellington’s economy is under pressure and people aren’t spending what they used to on culture and hospitality. At the same time our music venues are struggling with noise issues and community organisers can be overwhelmed with a minefield of compliance and costs to run festivals and events.

"I want to see the Council reducing barriers for event organisers, creating fast-track approval systems, and ensuring our venues can thrive alongside inner-city living,” Andrew Little said.

“We need to refocus Wellington NZ to make sure we are fully utilising subsidised Council venues so that local artists have more opportunities and we have a full roster of events to attract people to our city.”

Key commitments include:

• Reduce barriers for event organisers by providing additional Council support to complete required plans and permits, allow for renewable plans for established festivals and ensure a single point of contact for larger events
• Protect live music venues by working with venues and communities to develop noise management plans and revise Council guidelines to support live music operations.
• Create a fast-track approval system for low-risk indoor events
• Refocus WellingtonNZ to support the creative sector by supporting events city-wide, fully utilising subsidised Council venues, and ensuring local artists have opportunities in major festivals and productions.

"These are practical, cost-effective changes to help reinvigorate arts and culture in Wellington. By making the Council more supportive of our creative community we can achieve more without spending a lot, and help the creative community do what they do best – put on a show,” Andrew Little said.

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