Hon Judith Tizard
Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage

15 July 2008 Media Statement

National party utterly bereft of ideas for Arts, Culture & Heritage

Associate Arts Culture and Heritage Minister Judith Tizard says that it's utterly astonishing that the National Party's arts policy released today failed to have one original or creative idea, and has said it would not maintain funding in real terms.

"It is an ominous sign when the National Party announces that, given the chance, it would do nothing that Labour hasn’t already done," said Judith Tizard.

"Just last week at an Auckland Film Summit Mr Finlayson refused to confirm that a National government would maintain funding for the arts in real terms, this has now been confirmed.

"Not maintaining funding in real terms is a cut in real terms.

"Mr Finlayson has wasted the last three years. What has he and the National Party been doing?

"While it is nice that the National Party finally support what Labour has done for the arts, it is surprising they have not produced anything new, but just shadowed Labour policy.

"National's spokespeople for the arts have failed to do anything but approve of the Labour-led government for 9 years.

"Mr Finlayson has talked a big game about the National Party supporting the arts, so today's announcement will come as a disappointment to many, he has let people down.

"It is also of great concern that there is no mention of Museums. National has made no commitment to the Regional Museums Fund," she said.

The National Party's policy announcement is also very light on detail about protection our heritage.

"The Historic Places Trust needs more money not another restructuring," said Judith Tizard.

"The Historic Places Trust's legislation has just been updated, they last thing they need is another review like the disastrous one forced on them in the 1990s."

ENDS

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