United Future New Zealand applauds the success of New Zealand artists in every field, both within this country and overseas. To succeed, the arts must be encouraged, promoted, marketed and properly funded.

Radio and television have a responsibility to provide New Zealanders with programmes which include local music, drama and dance. United Future does not support quotas but we believe there should be a charter requirement on Radio New Zealand and Television New Zealand to encourage investment in local artists.

New Zealand's historic places - buildings, archaeological sites, places of spiritual or historical significance - are part of our rich and diverse heritage. They must be properly supported, so they can be enjoyed by future generations. The management of all historic places will be the responsibility of a rejuvenated Ministry of Culture and Heritage.

United Future applauds the phenomenal success New Zealand films have enjoyed in recent years. We must capitalise on this success and nurture the talents of directors, producers, actors and support personnel so that this country continues to produce films of excellence.

Perhaps most importantly, young people should be encouraged to enjoy and participate in all aspects of the arts. We will ensure exposure to art in its multi-varied forms is an integral and valued part of the school curriculum.

United Future will:

• Provide an environment where the cultural identities of a diverse people are recognised and nurtured. This must be actively promoted to encourage the cultural contribution by New Zealand's emerging cultural groups at a financial and non-financial level.
• Recognise the special place of Maori culture in New Zealand society.
• Acknowledge artistic and cultural activities as cornerstones of the economy.
• Support and promote arts education in the school curriculum and provide funding for arts activities inside and outside the classroom.
• Secure funding for professional and community arts through Creative NZ, from Vote 'Cultural Affairs' and the Lottery Grants Board. The funding will be at least equal to that of the Hillary Commission.
• Require Creative NZ to 'bring art to the people' through increased community involvement.
• Provide $20 million from the Lottery Grants Board to promote the work of emerging artists.
• Increase annual funding of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra so it can meet professional commitments. (Funding formula should aim to reduce the need for 'one-off' and 'ad-hoc' funding).
• Incorporate the Historic Places Trust into the Ministry of Culture and Heritage and provide adequate resourcing.
• Encourage government and community involvement in the preservation of historic places.
• Increase annual funding for the New Zealand Film Commission.
• Encourage Radio NZ and TVNZ to provide increased local content in programming and productions.
• Encourage tertiary educational institutes to include arts policy and management in their business courses.

United Future Parliamentary Office: Bowen House, Lambton Quay, Wellington
Email: Phone: (04) 471 9410