The Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Hon Chris Finlayson, commissioned the Minstry of Culture and Heritage (MCH)  to undertake the review to ensure the Government is supporting the best possible delivery of orchestral services to New Zealanders within current funding levels.

The report does not recommend major structural changes.  It concludes significant improvements and efficiencies can be gained within existing organisational arrangements.  Such an approach preserves the special character of and loyal support for each orchestra and the significant investments made in the sector over a long time.

The report identifies the need for everyone in the orchestra sector to work together better.  The report’s key recommendation is that the central government funders of orchestras, MCH and Creative New Zealand, refine and implement a joint policy and funding framework for their support of orchestras.  The framework is set out in the report and clarifies the different orchestra roles that central government will support.

Mr Finlayson said the report showed the orchestras were working well overall, but showed benefits could be made through a more joined up approach.

"This review confirms that the orchestral sector is in good heart. It confirms the benefits of a more coordinated approach to the government funding of the sector, to deliver the results that New Zealanders expect. Individual orchestras will have specific expectations for contributing to the sector and to communities, based on their particular characteristics. They will contribute where they can be most effective."

"As part of this review, the Auckland Philharmonia's status as an orchestra serving a large urban population is recognised by its designation as the country’s first metropolitan orchestra," Minister Finlayson said.

One of the key outcomes made as a result of the review is that MCH and Creative New Zealand will implement a joint policy for orchestra funding and monitoring.  Previously the funding and monitoring of the NZSO by MCH and other orchestras by Creative New Zealand was not done under a single framework.

Arts Council Chair, Alastair Carruthers says the introduction of a clear joint policy will help with more effective funding and delivery of orchestral services.

“Creative New Zealand looks forward to working with the Ministry to ensure that implementation of the new policy delivers the best possible outcomes for orchestras and their audiences,” he said.

The review process was open to public submissions and over 1800 submissions were received in total. Submissions were considered during the review process and the Ministry was guided throughoutby a reference group headed by the former Chair of Creative New Zealand, Peter Biggs.

“The Reference Group was privileged to participate in a very detailed, thorough and inclusive review process,” Mr Biggs said. “It has resulted in a number of far-reaching and innovative recommendations for change which will bring about a stronger and more collaborative orchestral sector and this is something which will have a positive impact for all New Zealanders and their communities.”

“A strong and relevant orchestral sector is a vital part of New Zealand’s wider cultural sector, and this report will help us build on existing strengths in order to deliver even better experiences in a way that benefit New Zealanders,” Mr Finlayson said.

To download a copy of the full report, click here.

http://www.mch.govt.nz/orchestrareviewfinalreport