Budget 2006: Creative NZ and broadcasts beefed up

More and better local programming should appear on our screens and airwaves after today's Budget.

Public broadcasting is to get nearly $25 million more in funding over the next four years and Creative New Zealand $10m for the same period.

Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey said the $25m would go towards production of high quality local television through NZ On Air.

"Public broadcasting plays an important role in defining our cultural identity and giving us a sense of our place in the world," Mr Maharey said.

"This funding is part of the Labour-led government's ongoing work to enhance New Zealand's broadcasting sector by supporting more locally made content, and ensuring that what we see and hear reflects our diverse nation."

The funding took the government investment in public broadcasting for 2006-07 to $129.4m.

Today's new funding comprised $20m to NZ On Air for local programming, $2.4m to enable TVNZ to supply New Zealand programming by satellite to the Pacific nations and $2.4m to Radio New Zealand to implement a remuneration strategy.

Creative New Zealand's additional funding would bring its total to $15.5m a year.

Prime Minister Helen Clark, also Arts Minister, said the Government was committed to investing in arts.

"Creative New Zealand is our leading arts development organisation, investing in professional artists and arts organisations to develop a strong arts infrastructure for the country," she said.

"This funding will enable Creative New Zealand's investment in arts and culture to be maintained."

Helen Clark said the arts in New Zealand were important to national identity.

"We are seeing a strong and confident cultural identity emerging and this investment will help our leading arts organisations continue to produce world-class performances with a uniquely New Zealand flavour."

- NZPA