8. NICKY WAGNER (National) Link to this
to the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage
What reports has he received on recent developments there have been to promote New Zealand literature and culture?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage) Link to this
A number concerning the announcement on 2 June by the German Foreign Minister that New Zealand will be the country of honour at the 2012 Frankfurt Book Fair. This fair is the world’s most prestigious and well-attended international book and media trade fair, with about 7,500 exhibitors from over 110 countries—
Grant RobertsonHon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON Link to this
—Mr Robertson—and about 300,000 visitors over a 5-year period. The country of honour showcases its culture in a year-long programme throughout Germany, culminating in the Frankfurt Book Fair itself. New Zealand will exhibit its arts, its creative industries, and its stories to international audiences and businesses.
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON Link to this
As the country of honour, New Zealand also has the opportunity to raise its profile not only in Europe but also throughout the 110 countries and among the hundreds of thousands of visitors who will go to the book fair. It represents a very special opportunity to promote New Zealand literature, culture, trade, and tourism on the world stage. In addition, New Zealand will have a higher profile in other areas, including education, film, and digital media, than it would otherwise have had given the recent success of the New Zealand film Boy, not to mention the first instalment of The Hobbit, which will be released late next year thanks to the Prime Minister, because we are Hobbit lovers on this side of the House. This will allow New Zealand to showcase its natural environment and culture.
Mr SPEAKER