Community asked for feedback on Creative Strategy

Tania Short. Photo/File

The community is being asked for feedback on the Rotorua Lakes Council's draft Creative Strategy.

Councillors recommended the release of the strategy for community consultation at a Strategy, Policy & Finance Committee meeting yesterday.

A steering group, led by Councillor Glenys Searancke, has met regularly since late last year to develop the draft creative strategy in support of the council's Rotorua 2030 vision and goals.

The strategy is "an authentic document which reflects a strong sense of place mirrored in the pūrakau, or stories of Te Arawa, interwoven by iwi steering committee members," said the creative portfolio's lead advisor Tania Short

Ms Short said the steering group had been very involved in developing the draft strategy.

"Our steering group members represent key community interests across the performing and visual arts, and creative industries, and have been really committed to actively shaping the strategy. It's absolutely been a team effort. We're proud to now present a strategic document that truly reflects the massive scope of creative interests and cultural awareness we have in Rotorua," Ms Short said.

"We wanted Te Arawa to be a core part of the strategy - not just as an attachment - so we've included whakapapa narratives about Te Arawa history that people can learn from. We think it's highly innovative. This is not just a council strategy it's a special community and council partnership and that's reflected well in the draft document."

Councillor Karen Hunt said pulling the creative sector together is an exciting challenge.

"If you're reading any of the global literature, you will find that new buildings are choosing a significant artwork to build their building around. So no longer is the artwork done after the building - the artwork is central to that sense of place."

"Because it's all about who we are, how we see ourselves, and how that's reflected. All of it drives the economic growth. So of the one thing that's core to making our city grow and thrive it is a valid vibrant, growing, creative sector," she said.

Councillor Trevor Maxwell said he thought it was one of the best reports the council had ever produced about the arts right across the board.

"It just shows that in Rotorua we punch above our weight in this area and how proud we all feel of people like Temuera (Morrison) and Cliff Curtis. I went to see Lion King in Australia and there were three or four Rotorua people in the cast ... it all stems from home.

"Every week and weekend there's something exciting happening." Mr Maxwell said.

The draft Creative Strategy will be available for viewing online from the council website -rotorualakescouncil.nz from tomorrow [15 October] - and hard copies will be available from the council's Customer Centre.

The period for community engagement will remain open until 30 November 2015, and people can email their feedback to creative@rotorualc.nz.