By AUDREY YOUNG political reporter
A bonanza in the arts, culture and heritage sector is in store after Helen Clark outlined spending promises for "a cultural recovery" that far exceed what was promised in election pledges.
Te Papa, the symphony orchestra, the ballet, Creative New Zealand and the film, television and music industries are the big winners.
Immediate one-off injections before June 15 total $86.8 million, although $28 million covers the shortfall caused by people who did not pay their last broadcasting fee.
The Budget will commit the Coalition to new spending of $20 million a year for three years, exceeding Labour's election promise of $25 million extra spread over three years.
National and Act have questioned the Government's priorities, saying the windfall will do nothing for ordinary New Zealanders facing rises in the cost of mortgages, petrol and cigarettes.
But Helen Clark, who is also arts, heritage and culture minister, was mobbed by thrilled sector representatives after her announcement yesterday.
"New Zealand is a small nation in an increasingly globalised world," she said.
"What is unique about us are our arts, our culture and our heritage. In the 21st century, they will define us as the confident, proud and creative peoples we are."
Helen Clark predicted the package would lead to new jobs in a sector that had missed out for years but already contributed $4 billion a year to GDP.
"This is a catchup. This is a recovery programme."
Among the big handouts, Creative New Zealand receives a one-off $20 million, a new Film Production Fund will be established with a $22 million grant and Te Papa receives an extra $11 million, including $3 million for acquisitions.
NZ On Air has been given $7 million, most of it earmarked for children's television.
The smallest item on the list is $300,000 to restore the Edwin Fox, a wooden sailing ship that brought immigrants to New Zealand in 1873.
Part of Creative New Zealand's fund will go to a strategy called Seriously Maori, "to strengthen and develop the infrastructure for Maori art."
Judith Tizard, associate arts minister and the Prime Minister's adviser on Auckland issues, dismissed suggestions that Auckland had missed out in the package.
"I would expect Auckland to do very well out of this."
Its film and television production companies and music industry were bound to receive more from the film fund and the boost to NZ On Air.
National's former arts minister, Simon Upton, greeted the news enthusiastically. It was "not pennies from heaven - it's a monsoon."
"The real question is whether this spendup is sustainable."
Auckland Museum missed out on any immediate funding but board chairman Bruce Anderson said the rescue package boded well for the future.
"We'll probably get a more sympathetic response than we have before."
Auckland arts organisations are already lining up for their share of the $20 million funding pie delivered to Creative New Zealand.
The Auckland Philharmonia and Auckland Theatre Company will meet Creative next week to discuss funding.
The New Zealand Film Commission was delighted at the new film fund.
Commission chairman Alan Sorrell said it would enable New Zealanders to produce more complex films, opening up more creative opportunities.
Where the money will go
Creative NZ: $20m injection now
NZ Symphony Orchestra: $3m injection now, extra $1.4m a year
Te Papa: $11m extra annually, $3m for new acquisitions
Film Production Fund: $22m establishment grant
Music Industry Commission: $2m over five years
NZ on Air: $7m extra a year
Historic Places Trust: $3m injection now, $500,000 extra a year
Royal NZ Ballet: $760,000
NZ Film Archive: $943,000
Christchurch Art Gallery: $6.474m
Edwin Fox ship restoration: $300,000 grant
0900 iTouch voteline question:
Should taxpayers' money be used to fund the arts?
Ring 0900 700 50, then 1=YES or 2=NO.
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Clark delivers more than she pledges in arts
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