NZ slow to invest in creativity

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New Zealand needs to follow the lead of many Asian countries and invest in creativity, says the director of a global design and creative conference.

Semi-Permanent, a two-day event held in five countries, is in its eighth year in New Zealand and its 10th globally.

Sixteen speakers will attend the event in Auckland on May 18.

Director Simon Velvin said there was a lot less support for the creative industries in New Zealand than in countries in Asia that were working hard to build their creative and cultural credibility.

"In New Zealand, we get zero support."

He said New Zealand had been slow to put resources into developing creativity and innovation.

"Hong Kong and China are trying to build creative cities to attract the Pixars ... Wellington is a great example of how one person can transform a suburb into a creative hub. The rest of the country should take note."

His comments follow those of futurist Mark Stevenson, who was in the country last week.

He said New Zealand could undergo a "massive renaissance" as a number of small to medium sized businesses were capable of creating money off their ideas with small capital outlay.

"The sell is simple - there is a whole bunch of cool stuff going on here that no one pays attention to."