New governance model for Creative New Zealand welcomed
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Chair of the Arts Council of New Zealand Alastair Carruthers today welcomed the new governance structure proposed for Creative New Zealand.
The recommended structure, announced by the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Christopher Finlayson, would replace the Arts Council, Arts Board, Te Waka Toi and Pacific Arts Committee with a single board, reducing the number of members from 28 to 13.
“I am delighted the Government has recognised the need to reform Creative New Zealand’s existing structure. It is less efficient, flexible and responsive than is needed to deliver results in the current environment,” Mr Carruthers said.
“What is proposed will reduce complexity, provide clearer accountability to the sector, and allow staff to focus on supporting artists and arts organisations, rather than servicing a cumbersome and outdated structure.”
Mr Carruthers said the proposed board would offer more streamlined decision-making because there would be a single group setting strategy, allocating budget and making investment decisions.
He also welcomed the proposal to include four Māori and two Pacific representatives to the 13-member board.
“They, along with the other seven members, will ensure a greater diversity of voices is represented on the board,” he said.
Prior to chairing the Arts Council, Mr Carruthers served as both a chair and member of the Arts Board.
“Having experienced first-hand the complexities of our current model over the past nine years, I am sure the changes proposed will bring significant benefits to the agency and the arts sector.”