Sir Howard Morrison is angry that the Government has not specifically recognised Maori arts, culture and heritage in its latest $80 million arts funding package.
He said last week that he was sick of hearing the sound of his own voice when it came to wanting financial recognition of Maori arts.
His comments came in response to the Government's $80 million cultural recovery package.
Sir Howard said Maori arts needed strong lobbying power to change the Government funding allocation.
"I don't hear any Maori lobbying voices except my own and I am getting despondent hearing the echo of my own voice."
He issued a challenge to Maori politicians to voice their opinions about the latest arts funding announcement.
Compared with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Maori arts were "under-funded, under-utilised and virtually unrecognised."
Rotorua Maori cultural group Te Matarae I O Rehu was representing New Zealand at the Sydney Olympics and Ngati Rangiwewehi members had been asked to perform at the next Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
"The key words are representing our country. You don't see the symphony orchestra or the ballet going to those places."
The importance of Maori art was highlighted during millennium celebrations around New Zealand when Maori images were broadcast all over the world.
Maori talent needed to come together under an initiative which could only come from the Government, Sir Howard said.
Since 1965 he had tried to push the idea of a professional Maori theatre where Maori and Polynesian artists were paid to perform productions of Maori myths and legends, which could be sold overseas.
Governments were always trying to find ways to close the social and economic gaps between Maori and Pakeha but failed to recognise Maori's historical artistic talent.
But associate arts, culture and heritage minister Judith Tizard said a "seriously Maori strategy" would be announced in a fortnight.
"The strategy will assist Maori artists, iwi and Maori authorities to protect and develop their art, deliver community projects and increase employment opportunities."
Ms Tizard said the $20 million cash injection to Creative New Zealand meant $5 million would be freed up to support Maori art and culture.
This was in addition to current funding to Maori art through Te Waka Toi - the Maori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand.
Support for Maori arts and culture would also be provided through other Creative New Zealand programmes, she said.
- NZPA
Govt not ignoring Maori art funding: minister
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