Forward Thinking: Sign of the times

Anna Paquin and Martin Henderson. Photo / Supplied

For all the shouting about Lady Gaga tossing us a shoe, it's unfortunate that Sunday's telethon was not more of a spectacle, and that the most excitement came from pre-recorded live crosses from people who couldn't get much further away from their homeland if they tried.

It's unfortunate also that as well as exports providing the fun factor, exports (specifically Fonterra's) raised the most funds. If every New Zealander living in New Zealand had tuned in and donated $1, the funds would have been twice as generous. Perhaps it was just bad timing, being four days after the bad-news (but not terrible news for Christchurch) Budget and all.

Anyway, thank goodness we have Anna Paquin and Martin Henderson doing their bit by making pieces of escapism in these tough times. (Although Martin's most recent endeavour has been cancelled.)

Thank goodness for Anna and Martin representing Kiwis in that sunny city where all the celebrities hang out - where paparazzi descend on street corners and the immense fame and fortune of the residents warrants tours of their stately homes. A city that has launched the careers of so many stars that a 2.7km stretch of road is paved with their names. Anna and Martin live underneath a big, white, sculpture of lettering that celebrates their city as a place where dreams come true. A city with many theme parks, one of which dedicates an entire ride to Peter Jackson. It's where megastars like Britney Spears, Tom Cruise and Elijah Wood live. Hollywood.

Bollywood makes more money of course, has done for 40 years, but it doesn't have the glory of a sign and a walk of fame. Perhaps Mumbai thought that ripping off LA's idea was the most uncreative way to show off their creativity.

I can imagine that. Auckland is emerging as a booming creative hub, it even boasts the set of Spartacus and Legend of the Seeker, but I don't think we are going to erect a big sign spelling "Orkland" or anything else that hints at a tenuous link to our most important exports. The Hunterland. Ha.

Wellington's probably still seen as New Zealand's cultural hub, to be honest. It hosts the Rugby Sevens and the World of Wearable Art. I fly there sometimes to visit the galleries, watch bands and give Blanket Man some of my spare change. It's a lovely city, but gosh it's awful to fly into. Close your eyes, grip your seat and try to stay in control of whatever's in your stomach.

Auckland has been fabulous for culture this month anyway, with Music Month gigs ringing from the city's coolest venues every night of the week.

It seems that despite the monetary support for New Zealand music not looking the best - NZ on Air funding changes, closure of a major music magazine - there's still plenty of fan support for our music. People just like to get it for free (no room in the Budget). But thankfully many Kiwi artists like David Dallas (currently based in the US) have pulled together to share their tunes on free Music Month downloads in the name of local culture. These great tunes should help ease their fellow Kiwis into the depths of winter. Perhaps even exports like Anna, Martin and Peter Jackson will be singing along to them while driving around sunny Hollywood. We like to think so.

- TimeOut