Hamilton City Council - East Ward - *Edited to recommended word count What is your personal connection
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Hamilton C ity C ouncil – East Ward
*Edited to recommended word count
C andidate What is your personal connection In light of recent changes to the Local What is your opinion on C ouncil investing funds
with the arts, if any? Government Act, do you believe that C ouncils in future arts infrastructure?
should have arts policies or strategies?
Ross MacLeod I have been involved in theatre and film in The primary concern arts wise of the changes to the The public is especially wary of big construction project
Hamilton and the Waikato for over a LGA is the shift of focus from intangibles such as and with good reason given the expenditure over the past
decade now. Over this time I have worked community worth to financial areas. Art and the decade. In respect to the Theatres review the gifting of the
with a number of different groups in benefits from it is not an easily quantified area so there Meteor to a trust for operation (I am on this trust) is an
various capacities. I have been writing, is a risk that it will be passed over in increased efforts option without large expenditure but the required
directing and producing my own work for to balance the books. It will force councils to be more upgrades to the Founders theatre are a more expensive
several years as well as collaborating with cautious with how they approach the arts, and within figure, which will have to be approached carefully. If this
others. At present I am a member of Hamilton that approach is already overcautious. goes ahead it is imperative that the rebuild be to required
Apocalypse Lounge, a Hamilton Theatre specs, something which has been dealt with far too
collective dedicated to producing new There is also the risk of increased national level casually in the past, leading to inadequate spaces for
work and fostering new writing and government having an influence over Council excessive cost.
directing talent. I am also a street decisions. If debt is particularly bad and the Ministry There is a strong call for a public art gallery at present and
performer, specializing in stilt walking and steps in it is likely that the arts sector will be one of the I agree this is something that needs to be explored. I
fire twirling. I am a current board member first to suffer severe cuts. would be extremely hesitant however to look at building
of the Hamilton Community Arts Council In light of this risk it is perhaps safer if the council an entirely new space for this purpose. I believe that a far
and the One Victoria Trust. invests in fostering existing arts, moving them towards better option would be to examine the current vacant
self sustainability where possible so as to avoid Council spaces in the central city, to come together with volunteer
owned assets being lost. *Edited and community groups and repurpose a space to the
needs of the venue.*Edited
Rob Pascoe Recent pro bono work with the Meteor My understanding of the legislative changes is to Creating a unique Hamilton centres on having leisure
assisting with budgets, cash flow encourage Councils to be more business-like in their activities that citizens value. Assuming there are
projections, and advice on governance operations and in dealing with citizens they represent. competent groups able and willing to take responsibility
matters. Meeting with the steering If a community has an active arts sector then the role and manage these, then the Council should assist these
committee and the Mayor and interested Council would play is to collaborate with the various groups on a collaborative basis ( in partnership where
councilors, and then with Council staff on arts groups to assist in developing with them an overall appropriate with other groups such as business,
ownership options. strategy and business plan. Those able to prove good philanthropic trusts etc.) to provide the infrastructure so
governance should then be able to take control of desired outcomes can be developed. Where appropriate
council owned assets, and develop/ maximise the use Council should assist with or solely fund the capital assets
of these to achieve the best possible outcomes for needed.
their groups and the theatre /art public.
Ian Hanley As Mayor/Councillor I do support the arts. I support an active Arts role for Council and have Councils should not only invest funds in arts infrastructure,
As Dean of Waikato in St Peter’s Cathedral recently written that if Mayor, I would propose the sale but should seek arts input in to art issues. Defining that
I encouraged music and theatre in the of Hamilton City Council’s 50 per cent share in the could be quite fun! Additionally, creative conversationsCathedral and events at the Meteor airport. In part some of those funds could be used to between business, Tainui, the community in all its rainbow
Theatre. More recently I visited Creative develop the Museum site, in to what I would suggest colours, arts groups and Council may well attend to the
Waikato and added very small pieces to could be, with permission, “The Wallace Art Gallery Theatre/Arts challenges existent in our City Arts Venues
the people’s sculpture! I also attended the and Waikato Museum.” This would be a fabulous City and future development. There may be some interesting
Embassy Park Review and the Spark project. Lastly, how might we see the Taonga, which is and productive partnerships formed.
Festival. our River from an arts perspective? Should that
conversation include the arts community? I believe it “Creative minds find creative solutions.” Part of that
should. journey is being able to express “Hamilton is...............”
*Edited That may then help us to define what Hamilton should
look and sound like in one hundred years?!
Philip Yeung I don't have any direct personal Yes, there should be an arts strategy or policy for the I would like HCC to invest in city's arts infrastructure like an
connection with arts, but I have been city. This will enhance the social and cultural well-being art gallery within the city. I want to see more investment in
promoting arts (arts and craft and of the communities. A strategy or policy will provide public arts displays throughout the city. This will have a
performing arts) with the ethnic opportunities for artists to flourish and lift the profile of positive impact on tourism industry with economic
communities for the past 12 years. A Hamilton being a creative arts city. benefits.
painting from a refugee to a handmade
jewelry from an immigrant, arts and craft
items from around the world, made in
Hamilton are what I promote.
Gordon Chesterman In my 9 years on council I have always Yes councils should. Hamilton needs a contemporary art gallery. Had council
voted in support of arts and culture under Mayor Evans not frustrated the trustees we would
initiatives, comparing support council have retained the Chartwell Collection. What the Trustees
gives to professional and amateur sport wanted was a dedicated gallery. Instead the collection
and talking balance. There is no disappeared to Auckland. Regrettably, the city doesn't
comparison in terms of the spend. I have a have the money. Founders Theatre is woefully inadequate
personal historic and contemporary NZ art and can't take the full complement of NZ Ballet, nor the
collection, sculptures, and a pottery NZ Symphony orchestra. Founders was built 50 years ago
collection by the late Bryce Stevens. I and is out of date ( city population has gone from 55,000
regularly attend exhibitions at the Arts Post to 145,000 ). Replacing the theatre would cost over $50
and Museum. My Wellington-based million. Both projects require the support of the
daughter and her husband (Drama School community to attract funding.
graduate) are professional actors and
performers and have been involved with all
of Sir Peter's Jackson's recent films.
Vaughan Mikkelson
Javed Chaudhry Antique collection, Listening music, Certainly, I believe its mandatory for City Council to Keeping in view of Council's current financial standing I
watching dramas and movies, Admire keep up the vivacity of the city, art and culture are one don't think would enable to allocate much funds at this
creative art of the imperative picks. The council need to take lead stage but must be included in long term strategic
to frame arts policies and then together with all the art planning. Exploring the possibilities to attracting partners /
stakeholders develop plan of operation. investors would be viable approach. Moreover, it's prudent
to execute arts activities in an entrepreneurial manner.Peter Humphreys I enjoy been able to have access to the We are caught up with the change to the Act which in Having been involved with the first ever Wearable Arts
exhibitions, street entertainment and part says the new purpose of local government is: “To Award in Nelson I have watched this event grow and I
theatrical shows. I don’t have any formal enable democratic local decision making and action have seen the difference this event made to Nelson and
connection to the arts. by, and on behalf of communities” The current later to Wellington. I have been to the theatre and
interpretation by the Chief Executive is that Council do watched a play by people with disabilities and have seen
not have a role beyond roads and water. This needs to the human benefits of this. The investment in the arts is
be challenged by the democratic elected councillors sometimes not commercially profitable; the cultural,
because creating a liveable city is more than educational and community benefits are however
infrastructure, it is also about the arts. Great cities immeasurable. The investment in theatres and cultural
around the world invest in creating an environment events allow people from all walks of life to express
where people want to live. themselves. The council with individuals and business have
a crucial role in this investment.
Jamie Strange
Jason Howarth I have always been a strong supporter of Yes I do. In Hamilton particularly there seems to be I would like to see one “arts hub”. Where there is a large
the performing arts. While at school I was multiple organisations that a representative of some well-resourced theatre (Founders/Clearance), then
involved in different productions at both part of the arts community. The arts groups need to attached a smaller playhouse(Gallagher performing arts
Founders and the Clearance street work collectively together, to ensure there is a united centre/ Riverlea theater) as well as shared green rooms
theaters. While at high school I was front when approaching the council and actors suites. Art studios (painting/sculpture), displays
privileged to be part of the Les Miserable halls linking the different areas. Thought it seems like an
production directed by John Drummond. adventurous goal, with correct and united planning, it will
attract government funding and lift the cultural profile of
Hamilton.
Rex Bushell I am a member of the friends of the Most definitely. It must happen. It cannot happen in the short term
Museum. We (my wife and I) have a small because of the Council debt however that does not mean
interesting collection of art at home. it cannot be planned for and a time line developed. I
M. Taugaroa, a Cook Island artist. A understand there are plans already drawn up for an art
numbered print “moment of awakening. A gallery and a location identified. It just needs the will
particularly fine piece of art. Malcolm Warr, inside council to start a path to make it happen.
two of his screen prints. Robyn Kahukiwa, a
numbered print. Colin Gibbs, a local artist.
An interesting original work “the white
stone” based on a J.K.Baxter poem.
KateJones-Madill, a Tauranga artist.
Numbered print. Kathryn Furniss, an
Oamaru artist. Print.
Jim Parlane I enjoy the arts and would like to one day We should have policies and strategies relating to the It is a strategic investment that could become self funding
invest in them, particularly paintings. I have arts. I agree with the policy of a well known Asian by way of tourism.schemes in mind but at present have no architect from Wellington whose name escapes me at
money to carry them out. present, that all new buildings should have 1% of their
budges spent on visual art work.
Anjum Rahman I’m a consumer of arts rather than a In light of recent changes to the Local Government Act, What is your opinion on Council investing funds in future
producer – unless writing on political blogs do you believe that arts infrastructure?
counts as creative endeavour! I regularly Councils should have arts policies or strategies? Arts infrastructure is crucial to both the social and
attend events at the Hamilton Gardens Yes. I believe much of the current arts policy comes economic well-being of the city and will attract visitors to
Festival and enjoy a good film. I believe under “local public services”. Also, providing suitable the city. Adequate venues are required for both visual and
creative endeavour brings much to our venues is part of Hamilton City Council’s responsibility performance art, for example the current stage at
community: social commentary and an to provide “good-quality local infrastructure”. I Founders Theatre cannot accommodate some large
opportunity to re-evaluate ourselves as support the Hamilton Arts Agenda, and would hope to orchestral/choral performances or full ballet productions. I
individuals and as a society. A sense of continue with the work outlined in the Hamilton Arts support the proposal by the One Victoria Street Trust
confidence and purpose for many young Forum Action Plan should I become a Councillor. regarding the Meteor Theatre, and agree that Founders
people whose strengths lie in creative Theatre needs refurbishment. There is also need for a
expression. Vibrancy, beauty, colour and dedicated contemporary art gallery. Funds should be
activity. Jobs and economic prosperity. raised through a mix of funding from funding bodies, the
Places, spaces and times where people Council, central government and commercial sponsorship.
gather and develop a sense of
togetherness, shared values or even just
shared experiences.
Adrienne Hagan I am a Drama, Media Studies teacher and The HCC has an arts policies and strategies currently. I There is going to be a move in the new council to limit
HOF Arts at Te Aroha College. I usually would hope that council continues to financially, as well spending and make cuts. The plan is to cut the annual
focus on my student’s educational as spiritually, support the arts in its 10 year plan. Public Art Fund by $52,450, but to re-instate it in Year 4
requirements. Connections with the Arts The 2012 Local Government Act removal of one phrase (2015/16). I would advocate for this to happen. We will
community are inspiring for me and my for another is just semantics - “to promote the social, have to hang on, tooth and nail, to the Contestable
students. I have produced and directed economic, cultural and environmental well-being” is Performing Arts Fund of $100,000 per year for ten years.
plays. For example: 2013 That Face by replaced with “to enable democratic local decision I will have to take more advice on the discussion to sell the
Polly Stenham; 2012 Noises Off by Michael making and action by, and on behalf of, communities” underperforming and technically lacking Clarence Street
Freyn; 2011, Wednesday to Come by and “to meet the current and future needs of Theatre as I believe the public will expect some kind of
Renee; 2010 When Sun and Moon Collide communities for ….local public services…” . The Arts trade off. The Meteor Community Trust (The Meteor
by Briar Grace-Smith; 2009 Rosie by Pat community will have to push itself forward to ensure it Proposal) is a great idea in principal, I would help advocate
Spillane. I have helped organize three Te continues to get a slice of the pie. Local public services for council funding to help support it through the
Aroha College Arts Festivals at to include theatres, Waikato Museum, libraries and Contestable Performing Arts Fund. The Founders Theatre
celebrate and showcase student work- hopefully a public art gallery. *Edited needs to be upgraded extensively. In my opinion we need
visual arts (photography, print, painting), to lobby Government to help us with that. The Ratepayers
media arts (short films), musical arts and purse is tapped out and is used to run basic infrastructure
dramatic arts at our school. *Edited and service the debt.
Margaret Forsyth I don’t have a personal connection with the Yes, the (referenced) legislation quite clearly gives I have a ‘whole of city’ approach to decision making and
arts other than I enjoy and appreciate all direction to councils in that ‘other community support proposals that are evidence based, backed upkinds of art as an enrichment of my life. infrastructure’ must be given regard. Council business with a business case. With this in mind, I am supportive of:
I enjoy art that I can hang on my wall at is to make policy and drive strategies therefore I 1: a dedicated city art gallery
home. I enjoy going to art galleries when I believe HCC should have arts policies and strategies. 2: the continuation and enhancement of private and
travel in NZ or overseas. I enjoy attending philanthropic partnerships to deliver public art to the city
local art exhibitions and purchasing local 3: Hamilton theatres and the roles they have in the city.
art. 4: a public art trail interpretive plan
I enjoy theatre as well but am more likely 5: a permanent art work (street art or other) on the Wintec
to attend an exhibition or concert as Wall
opposed to live theatre. The last 6: street furniture or functional art
professional production I went to was Lion 7: continuing to develop an Arts precinct in the CBD (Arts
King at Convent Garden last year – it was Post, Museum environs).
unbelievable! In Hamilton I attended the
Smokefree Rockquest regional finals at Once again thank you for the opportunity to submit my
Clarence St and the Stage Challenge views. I am no art expert but strongly support art because
regional finals at Claudelands – both I believe it enhances our lives in a physical, emotional,
amazing shows. cultural, intellectual, spiritual and even economic way –
The last concerts I attended were Six60 maybe not all at the same time but even in any one way,
and NZSO at the Founders Theatre earlier art has the ability to transform.
this year.
Roger Hennebry I appreciate art but not all modern art Yes Yes, arts should have a budget
James Casson No connection I certainly do. A council without such a policy is I agree with this, but again have to take into consideration
planning to fail in this important area. I am we'll aware prudent and proper use of public money in such
that Hamilton has a strong Arts community and I would ventures. I will stand for council being accountable to the
like to promote the Arts as much as financially possible community and to spend its money wisely. If the arts can
without causing hardship in other equally important be supported financially after taking these into account
areas. A delicate balancing act which has to be taken then I fully support such funding.
head on.
Jack Gielen Ive been an opera singer with contamis, I believe council should have positive art policies I also believe council should invest funds into our art
Ive done Elvis impersonations and love encouraging community involvement. We need to infrastructure.
poetry and art protect and foster creative expression in people.
Matiu Dickson I weave traditional Maori weaving, kete, The arts are the soul or wairua of the community. It More can be done. In the past the arts has been the poor
whariki and kakahu. I gave some pieces should reflect the past and the creative future. It is cousin and where there has been a need for financial cuts,
for the Matariki Exhibition held at your important for identity and the healthy expression of the the arts has been clobbered. I think this is because there
gallery this year. I am a composer of Maori arts reflects a community comfortable with itself in are few, if any, councillors who appreciate the arts or who
song, modern and traditional. I have every way. A caring, diverse and creative side of the have an input to its retention and growth. I will keep my
judged at the national Maori performing community. All cultures have the right to have their art interest and involvement because it is my relaxation and
arts festival, Te Matatini, the last time was exhibited, understood and respected. part of my identity.this year in Rotorua. I judged the modern
action song. I am an expert in the singing
of the traditional songs of my tribe in
Tauranga, Ngaiterangi. I love all Maori art
and lately have been teaching my skills to
groups of interested people, Maori and
Pakeha.
Garry Mallett
Possum Warren Allen
Karina Green
Basil Wood
David Natzke
Tony Dixon I take part in many singing events, A difficult one now with the changes. I recognize that Again a tricky one, especially in our current financial
particularly Irish and Scottish songs. A the arts play an important part in the mental, spiritual predicament. From past experience, I have found that
quick plug here for the Celtic community’s and physical health of our communities. I would groups and clubs were stronger and more positive when
production of “The Highland Clearances” continue to promote the arts as a vital part of our city, they had to raise their own funds. When clubs looked for
at the Hamilton Fringe Festival at the end but I am only one voice of many. others to assist funding they lost their drive. However, I still
of the month. I dabble in painting for believe there is a place for council involvement on behalf
relaxation once in a while. of the wider community.
Charlie Gower I have little artistic talent, and so limit While concerned about the micro-industry within As a tourist in other centres, I'm always keen to sample
myself to being a grateful recipient of council writing a ever growing mountain of policies I do their public offerings in the arts, and see the provision of
others' creativity. accept the need for a strategic approach to investment public art facilities as a measure of a city's maturity. I'm
in the arts sector. keen to see Hamilton develop our arts infrastructure (not
just public art), subject always to available finance and
public support.You can also read
