Museums and Cultural Legacy - Akaroa Exhibition

Hon Judith Tizard MP
Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage
MP Auckland Central

Sunday, 5 November 2000

Opening of Exhibition

Akaroa Museum

It is very exciting to be involved in this exhibition opening. As Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage I value greatly the opportunities I have to take part in cultural events across the country.

The government I am part of is committed to strong vibrant regions. You can't have a strong national economy unless the regions of New Zealand are economically strong. As a government and as people we need to work to strengthen regional economies.

Nor can you have a flourishing national culture unless you are engaging, and engaged with, people throughout New Zealand - unless, that is, you are supporting a culture that is representative of the whole country.

Projects like this exhibition demonstrate with overwhelming clarity that culture is not something that happens just in Auckland or Christchurch.

The exhibition is a fascinating look - through a collection of artworks and objects - at how we define ourselves, and in turn how we represent ourselves to others.

Art and artefacts, like those on display, are key markers of our national identity. They speak eloquently of our past, our present, and our aspirations. Their ongoing availability - as markers of individual and communal experience - allows people to reflect upon and express a sense of themselves as members of various groups within society.

Our society is increasingly diverse. As a country, and through our cultural institutions, we are - for example - addressing issues of Maori and Pakeha relationships. As a country we must continue to ensure that other groups are included in our examination of what it means to be a New Zealander.

At Akaroa these pieces have been drawn together in fascinating fashion. The museums in our regions are very well placed to comment on issues of identity and heritage and cultural development, with particular reference to the communities of which they are part - and with general relevance to our national development.

Regional and local museums hold extremely important cultural resources. They have an important place in a sense of the broad 'national collection' - a huge number of objects that symbolise for us what is special about our own culture, and are valued accordingly.

And regional and local museums are operated by dedicated and skilled people: central government is warmly appreciative of their expertise and commitment.

The Labour Party, in our manifesto document Uniquely New Zealand, stated that 'historical heritage is a legacy which we hold in trust for future generations'.

In Government we have provided increased and meaningful support for our arts, cultural and heritage sector as a whole. The government makes this support available for three reasons.

Firstly, arts, culture and heritage are to be valued for their intrinsic benefits. Creative expression contributes to the well-being of not only practitioners, but audiences as well. It is enjoyable, as well as giving cause for reflection.

Secondly, arts, culture and heritage have yet to reach their full potential to contribute to the wealth of New Zealand. They have the potential to be much greater employers of people doing the jobs they love, and to boost GDP and export earnings.

Thirdly, as noted, arts and culture help define New Zealand as a unique, dynamic and creative nation which stands tall in the world. We have a world which is subject to powerful globalising forces. There are many benefits from these developments, but there are also some challenges. High on the list of those challenges is the issue of national identity. Arts, culture and heritage can contribute much to nation building.

Many in the audience will be aware of some of the steps the government has taken to support our arts, culture and heritage. For example, the Prime Minister taking the portfolio was a key indicator of the status accorded these things by the government.

And in May the government announced significantly increased funding to the arts, culture and heritage sector.

Much of what was announced at that time was directed towards ensuring that as many New Zealanders as possible have access to or enjoy the benefits of important aspects of our culture. For example, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Royal New Zealand Ballet were both provided with extra funding, which will assist them in meeting their national touring obligations.

The government will continue to play its part in supporting the culture of our country - but it will also continue to rely on the work done by so many people in the cultural sector.

Congratulations to everybody involved in this exhibition.