AusLeisure

Three of New Zealand's major arts organisations will receive a funding boost from the latest New Zealand budget, with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO), Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) and Te Matatini Kapa Haka Aotearoa will share $11.6 million of new operating funding over the next four years - a permanent increase of $2.9 million a year for the arts.

Commenting on the unexpected funding boost, New Zealand Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry explained “all three of these Crown-funded organisations are producing truly world-class work and are part of our national culture. This new funding represents a significant, long term boost to their budgets, allowing them to push artistic boundaries and reach out to more New Zealanders."

The RNZB annual grant will increase by 23% to $5.4 million from 2016/17, enabling it to increase its touring programme, including the popular Tutus on Tour, and educational outreach work.

Minister Barry stated “I've attended several Ballet performances since becoming minister and it always impresses. It has a commendable funding model - around 65% of its revenue comes through its own box office, philanthropy and commercial partnerships.”

NZSO funding will increase from $13.4 million to $14.6 million from 2016/17, to allow it to perform more concerts and undertake more regional tours.

Funding for Te Matatini, the national kapa haka organisation, will rise from $1.2 million per year to $1.9 million from 2016/17 - a 56% increase.

This will allow Te Matatini to increase community involvement in traditional Māori dance and promote its health and social benefits, as well as taking the best of kapa haka to the world as it did at the recent Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Image: Te Matatini Kapa Haka Aotearoa.

30th May 2016 - NEW ZEALAND FESTIVAL CONTINUES TO DELIVER DIVIDENDS FOR WELLINGTON

26th May 2016 - NEW ZEALAND BUDGET BACKS ELITE SPORT AND TOURISM, CUTS FUNDS FOR CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

25th April 2016 - $2 MILLION CROWDFUNDING RAISED FOR NEW ZEALAND ARTS AND CREATIVE PROJECTS

7th April 2015 - NGATI AWA PLANS FOR NEW MUSEUM AT WHAKATANE

10th July 2014 - APPOINTMENTS TO NEW ZEALAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BOARD

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.