By AUDREY YOUNG
The sooner the "Heart of the Nation" report on the creative and cultural sector is released the better, says project manager Richard Miller.
It complied fully with the terms of reference and would stand up to scrutiny, he said.
Mr Miller was concerned by suggestions that the full strategic report might not be released.
"It was the intention that it would be published."
However, Associate Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Judith Tizard said yesterday that she did not want to release the "broad" document but would consult individuals on specific recommendations.
She also injected fresh controversy yesterday with new criticisms of the confidential report.
"It is a vast and reflective document which is somewhat backward looking in parts and what I want are some tight recommendations saying this is a strategic plan for a group of passionate, energetic, well-educated young New Zealanders who have a major contribution to make to this country."
She also said it was statistically deficient.
Her comments followed criticism of an earlier draft by Helen Clark, the Prime Minister and Minister for Arts.
She said the panel did not seem to know the difference between operational and capital expenditure and appeared to be deviating from its terms of reference by recommending restructuring of arts organisations.
Helen Clark also distanced herself from "Heart of the Nation," saying it was Judith Tizard's project.
Asked if he was annoyed at the public criticism by the ministers, Mr Miller said: "We're professional about these things."
He believed the Government gave clear instructions and that the panel had delivered them in the report.
He said the answer to all the questions lay in the report itself.
"We do know the difference between capital and operation expenditure. There were a number of economists involved in writing this report."
Helen Clark saw a draft of the report at Queen's Birthday weekend.
The draft was reworked by the panel and the final report handed to the Government on June 23.
Mr Miller is with strategic planning firm McDermott Miller and was joint project manager for the report with Dr Michael Volkering, former director of the Arts Council.
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