Some $150K a day. That's what Hobbiton turns over in peak season. Just in gate sales. The cafes and accommodation and the 80 jobs to keep it ticking over are just a bonus. Entrance to an experience of a world that didn't exist except in the minds of Tolkien and Peter Jackson has produced thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in sustainable income. It's not a museum monument to a film - but an ongoing dialogue with a narrative that draws crowds.
The North has a long history of artists who have started a conversation with place and people. That warrior painter, guardian of the stripped back dark aesthetic, Hotere, McCahon, Tuwhare - there is no doubt the creative sector is where much of Northland's untapped community capital lies.
What art and artists contribute, whether creating conversations or building unity, guardians of landscape or markers of true value - much of the common good generated is intangible but nonetheless significant.
Which is why the Martin Jenkins report last year on the economic impact of the arts, culture and heritage sector in the Northland region is so interesting. The research shows the ACH sector is the second largest employer in the region, being on a par with the dairying industry. The report estimates the ACH sector is responsible for $398 million of Northland's output, creates more than 2284 jobs and is "a significant direct contributor" to regional GDP. These figures have been achieved despite a lack of commitment from central government - it's estimated less than 1 per cent of Creative NZ's funding comes north.
Which makes Northtech's moves to raise course fees in Rawene from about $1200 to $6200 and not offer degree courses, promised to students who've already completed diplomas, odd - especially in light of the money they've invested in their international school in Auckland. Given the unique culture and heritage of the North, it's surprising the schools in Kerikeri and Rawene are not national magnates for students serious about a career in art.
