Speech for launch of Auckland University's School of Creative and Performing Arts.

Your Worship Christine Fletcher, Professor Doug Sutton, Douglas Meyers, Waari Ward-Holmes, representing the ASB Charitable Trust, students and friends of the School of Creative and Performing Arts – I'm sure that includes all of us here this evening.

It really is a pleasure to be here, both as Associate Minister for Arts, Culture & Heritage and as Minister assisting the Prime Minister on Auckland issues.

As you know, Helen Clark and I have had a close association with this University in the past . The Prime Minister has asked me especially to say how delighted she is to see the School officially launched . So am I.

The School of Creative and Performing Arts is not only a significant and valuable addition to this University.

It will also contribute fundamentally to the development of the creative and performing arts in Auckland, New Zealand and internationally .

It is appropriate that this launch coincides with the launch of the Government's Heart of New Zealand project, headed by Hamish Keith, who I am delighted to see here tonight.

Heart of the Nation is all about the development of a Strategic Plan for the cultural sector in New Zealand.

I'm really pleased that a number of distinguished New Zealanders – including some closely associated with this University – have agreed to be members of the Heart of the Nation team.

I hope that all of you here will consider what contribution you might be able to make to this exciting national project. By that I mean ideas, not money.

The Government and I want to foster vibrant arts and cultural activities which all New Zealanders can enjoy.

So congratulations to all of you who have helped make this wonderful new facility a reality.

Douglas (Myers) to you, the Auckland Savings Bank Trust, the Auckland City Council – Your Worship – and those others who have made such generous contributions towards the $7 million cost of buying and renovating this building,I want to say a very sincere Thank You.

Douglas, I am really pleased this will be known as the Kenneth Myers Centre – in honour of your father who, with your family, have made such a tangible contribution to the life of this city.

It is now my very great privilege to officially launch Auckland University's School of Creative and Performing Arts. I wish you and the students who will study here every success in the future.

I know your contribution to New Zealand's cultural landscape will be enormous.

ENDS.