Toi Mai Workforce Development Council celebrates the release of Amplify – the Government’s (draft) strategy for New Zealand’s creative and cultural sectors.

Photo credit: Andi Crown, Heart Go Boom 2023.

“This is an exciting first for Aotearoa – an ambitious strategy from central government that recognises the need for the government to support sectors that are critical to New Zealand’s future economic success” says Dr Claire Robinson, Te Tumu o Toi CEO of Toi Mai.

“It’s about time New Zealand’s economic narrative moved beyond orienting the economy towards primary production. If we are to lift our national productivity we have to unleash the latent economic potential of our creative and cultural sectors. An innovative economy relies on the creative industries being central to what we do and how the world sees us.”

“The draft strategy’s emphasis on nurturing skills highlights the importance of taking a national, strategic approach to growing the capability of our creative and cultural workforces. “

“Toi Mai welcomes the draft strategy and looks forward to supporting its implementation through advice, expertise and qualification development” says Robinson.

Toi Mai Board Co-Chair Alice Shearman says, “As the voice of the creative and culture industries in the vocational education system, the Toi Mai board is looking forward to working with the government to nurture the workforce skills needed to enable our industries to thrive.”

“We strongly encourage our creative and cultural businesses, communities, and workforces to submit on the draft and ensure their voices carry through to the final strategy. A strategy needs allies – it is up to all of us to own it and bring it to life.”

Amplify is now out for public consultation, with submissions closing on 15 December 2024.