Arts in the Super City

Submissions to the Local Government (Auckland Law Reform) Bill, the third and final Bill to deal with the Auckland governance transition, close on February 12. The 'arts in the Super City' working party has released a submission guide and highlighted key areas that will impact the arts sector.

The working party say the proposed Bill will affect different arts organisations in different ways, and recommend submissions should articulate in very real terms how your group could be affected.

“It is of vital importance that you and your arts organisation make a submission to this Bill.”

The ‘arts in the supercity’ working party, and attendees at a recent meeting, identified three key areas that will impact on the sector and arts organisations in the sector. More information and a submission guide are attached.

The role of Local Boards not defined in the Bill

The ‘3rd Bill’ does not define the roles and responsibilities of the Local Boards. Many arts organisations have great concerns and uncertainty over the relationship that their arts organisation will have with the new Auckland Council and/or Local Board, and what criteria will be applied to define whether their organisation is ‘regional’ or ‘sub regional’ in nature.

The proposed Major Regional Facilities Council Controlled Organisation (CCO)

This could affect your organisation if you are a user of one of the facilities/ organisations in the proposed CCO, and obviously if you are one of the organisations included in the proposed CCO, or if you have concerns over how such a CCO could operate in reality as the organisations in the body are so diverse in scope, size, governance structures and remit. Some concerns have also been raised that this CCO could be one of the first of many to manage areas of the arts and culture sector, as well as other sectors. There is provision in the Bill to dissolve existing CCOs and transfer their assets to other entities.

Regional Arts Strategy / Policy development

The development of a Regional Arts Strategy has been identified by the working party, reference group and the public meeting attendees as a vital tool in ensuring that Local Boards in particular have some obligation towards fostering arts activities and services in their area and community. Many in the sector see a regional arts strategy as a playing an important role in ensuring that the arts have strong purpose and mandate in the city region, and some clear and robust development pathways into the future development of the region. It will also provide further accountability to the local boards in addition to the local government act.

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The working party advises that you can speak to your submission at the select committee hearings, which at this stage are likely to be held in Auckland the week beginning February 22.

"We do urge you to request a short verbal submission if at all possible as it makes your written submission even more compelling, and puts a human face to the issues you have raised."

Please address all enquiries about this process to maggie@artistsalliance.org.nz

Attached: More details about the issues, how to make a submission and a suggested submission format.