8. CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (National) Link to this
to the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage
Has she been advised of the statement by Neil Finn that “It sort of makes me sick to see Helen Clark getting up at the music awards and taking the bows”; if so, what is her response?
Hon JUDITH TIZARD (Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage) Link to this
Yes, the Minister and I have seen that statement, and as Helen Clark noted, we are not going to get into a debate with Mr Finn on it. What I will say is that this Government can be justifiably proud of its record in supporting New Zealand music. In 2000 the Labour-led Government set up the Music Industry Commission to grow New Zealand music, both at home and overseas. It funded the development of music for broadcast through New Zealand On Air, and it funded the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and other music through Creative New Zealand. I am very proud of what we have done.
Christopher Finlayson Link to this
Would the Minister agree that Neil Finn raises a very important question, namely that there is a distinction to be made between Government intervention in the arts and Government interference in the arts, and that this Government is interfering with the arts for its own grubby political ends; if not, why not?
Hon JUDITH TIZARD Link to this
This Government has never interfered in the art of music. What we have offered was some support in the business of music. Neil Finn has indeed made a significant contribution. Indeed, the meetings that the Government-in-waiting had in 1998 and 1999, in terms of our proposals for music, took place in this House.
Madam SPEAKERChristopher Finlayson Link to this
Why did the Minister insist on presenting an award at last year’s music awards after she was initially not invited because of the self-serving speech she had given the previous year, only to use that platform to give another long, self-serving speech before hastily departing; and would it not be appropriate for the Minister to admit, in the words of the Split Enz song: “That was my mistake.”?
Hon JUDITH TIZARD Link to this
I think what people do at music awards is often to try to look hip, and I have to say that the Prime Minister looks rather more hip than Don Brash ever did. She was very warmly welcomed by the range of New Zealand musicians who see that this Government is seriously interested in both New Zealand music and support for New Zealand musicians.
Darien FentonHon JUDITH TIZARD Link to this
This Government supports New Zealand music, in very strong contrast with what the people opposite have done when they have had opportunities to do so. The Government supports New Zealand music because it is about New Zealanders telling their own stories and singing their own songs. It is also about jobs and exports. All of those things matter to this Government.
This is the last warning to members. Unless the level of noise goes down, we will be having questions and answers in silence.
Christopher Finlayson Link to this
Could it be, as Tim Finn would say, that the Prime Minister is causing “a fraction too much friction” for his brother because she is always taking credit for the success of others, or as Neil Finn says: “It’s like New Zealand music is taking over the world and it’s all because of Helen.”; if not, why not?
Hon JUDITH TIZARD Link to this
I am pleased the member knows a few 1970s and 1980s song titles. I suggest he comes up to speed, as this Government has done.
Dr Wayne MappDoes the Minister acknowledge that comparing the celebration of New Zealand Music Month with the solemn remembrance of Anzac Day and with the thousands of New Zealanders who sacrificed themselves is the same sort of political misjudgement that was so well demonstrated by the Associate Minister at the Anzac Day service in Auckland, when she tried to dictate who should be laying wreaths?
Hon JUDITH TIZARD Link to this
The Associate Minister did not try to dictate who was laying wreaths, but merely tried to prevent those who were trying to take political advantage of Anzac Day from doing so. I am absolutely clear that it is absolutely unconscionable for parties to parade themselves, when New Zealanders served and died for this country.