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Urbis Design Day - a fusion of fashion and interior designFashion and interior design came together at the 2007 Urbis Design Day, held on Saturday, 17 November. Auckland City Council was proud to show its commitment to the design sector by sponsoring the event this year - the design sector is important to Auckland's economy as the largest employer in the city's creative industries. For more information refer to the council's action plan, Blueprint. This year's Urbis Design Day was the biggest and best yet, with 2500 visitors viewing 16 inspirational showrooms across Auckland city. Each showroom was paired with a New Zealand fashion designer to provide unique spaces including bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens, all with their own personal touch. Design pairings this year included Domo and Lola by Rachel Hunter, Hafele and Lucie Boshier, and Apartmento and Taylor Boutique. Zambesi's pairing with ECC Design won best installation by public vote. You can read more about Urbis Design Day 2007 by visiting www.urbismagazine.com. AUT Rookies learn about the business side of fashion
Strutting your stuff on the catwalk may be the glamorous side of the fashion industry, but as AUT Rookie students had the opportunity to learn, a solid business plan should be the one must-have item in any aspiring fashion designer's handbag. As part of our sponsorship of the AUT Rookie Show at Air New Zealand Fashion Week, some of the final-year Rookie students attended a one-day business workshop provided by WHK Gosling Chapman on 'The Business of Fashion'. The course covered tips on honing a brand and market for a new label, as well as how to grow a healthy business out of fashion design. Ensuring a good cashflow and looking after relationships is just as important (if not more) in the fashion industry as in any other business. Fresh from showing at Fashion Week herself, Auckland designer Cybčle Wiren spoke about her experiences in building her label Cybčle into a successful company and leader in the New Zealand fashion industry. Auckland-based Showroom 22 director Murray Bevan gave invaluable inside advice on fashion PR, specific to New Zealand's unique media and event environment. The students valued the chance to hear from fashion industry and business experts, and were keen to get to grips with the business side of fashion. Our sponsorship of the AUT Rookie Show and the Business of Fashion workshop is part of our wider commitment to fostering the growth of creative industries in Auckland as outlined in Blueprint: Growing Auckland's creative industries. The Auckland City Council sponsored workshop was very successful and interest was high from other potential participants. WHK Gosling Chapman are now offering a two-day workshop on 5 and 6 December on starting a fashion business, fully funded by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. The 'BIZ Start - Fashion' workshop is designed to give participants a step-by-step guide enabling them to successfully start a business in the fashion industry and continue to operate that business effectively whilst avoiding common pitfalls. To register, please email EnterpriseTraining@whkbusinessgrowth.com or call 09 968 8555. Auckland Architecture Week (15-20 October 2007)We were proud to be a sponsor of Auckland Architecture Week 07 a major event attracting design professionals and the public, generating excitement in the potential of architecture to create a vibrant and creative city. The focus of this year's event was on urban design, affordable housing and sustainability. To support the growth of Auckland's creative industries, we have recently published an action plan that aims to build on the vital contribution the creative sector makes to Auckland. The plan, called Blueprint, will be implemented over the next 10 years and demonstrates our long-term commitment to grow the creative sector. Our sponsorship of Auckland Architecture Week 07 aligns with our objectives to support the growth of the design sector - including architects and graphic designers. The city of Auckland employs over 1500 architects and we have 38 per cent of the nation's employment in architecture. The design sector is one of Auckland's key creative sectors and is made up of graphic design, advertising and architecture and contributes 5,250 employees (Statistics NZ 2006, Auckland City Council 2007) - contributing the largest source of employment in the creative industries.
Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards (18 October 2007)We were proud to be a major sponsor of the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards in 2007, an event that celebrates excellence in the music industry and honours the achievements of New Zealand's home-grown music talent. The awards also focus both public and media attention on the local music industry. The music industry is of particular economic importance to Auckland city, with nearly half of the share of national employment in the music industry in the city. Auckland city is the home of many major record companies, live music performance venues, and music video production houses. For more information on the awards, visit www.nzmusicawards.co.nz.
AUT Rookie Show - Student ProfileArmy surplus uniforms and op-shopped men's suits were unusual stars of the catwalk at Air New Zealand Fashion Week in September. The uniforms and suits were re-fashioned into a collection of feminine, high-fashion women's apparel by Kareen Hillenaar, a third-year fashion student at AUT University. Kareen's fully recycled garments made their catwalk debut in the AUT Rookie Show at Air New Zealand Fashion Week, sponsored by Auckland City Council. Karen would take the sleeves and collar from one jacket, and combine them with fabric from another in a completely different shape. One skirt in her collection was re-fashioned from an army raincoat, another from a pair of overalls. Old men's shirts were re-cut for women. Even the buttons were pulled off other garments. The idea of the collection was anti-sweatshop and she wanted to make something that couldn't be mass-produced. The 21-year-old also launched her own socially conscious label - Selah - with a friend in 2005. Kareen was one of 28 talented third-year AUT University fashion students chosen to showcase their work in the AUT Rookie Show. The business of fashion workshopWe are teaming up with AUT University to provide tailor made business training for AUT Rookie fashion students. This support is part of our and AUT University creative industry partnership project. A one-day business workshop provided by WHK Gosling Chapman will give the AUT Rookies a practical insight to the fashion industry and the ins and outs of running your own fashion business. The workshop will cover wholesaling, branding, exporting, and tips for working with the media. The workshop will also feature a session with a high profile New Zealand designer and a fashion industry public relations expert who will share their experiences of the industry and provide realistic advice on thriving and surviving in the fashion world. WHK Gosling Chapman have over eight years experience assisting businesses, and its Business Growth Team has grown to be one of the largest private providers of learning and development services in New Zealand. You can find out more about WHK Gosling Chapman and their services by visiting their website. Air New Zealand Fashion Week and AUT Rookie ShowWe are a strategic partner and home of Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2007. Again this year, we are partnering with AUT University to provide support for emerging creative practitioners. As a part of this year's partnership, we are a key sponsor of the AUT University Rookie Show. The Rookie Show provides 30 emerging designers an opportunity to showcase their homegrown talent at New Zealand's premier fashion event. We recognise the fashion industry as an important economic driver for the city and acknowledges the financial, creative and dynamic contribution fashion and fashion designers make to Auckland and New Zealand. For more on Air New Zealand Fashion Week and the AUT Rookie show, check out the Air New Zealand Fashion Week website and AUT University website. Creative Places Award - Auckland leads the country in support of arts and creativity
We have received a national award from Creative New Zealand for leadership in supporting the creative industries. The award for Arts Provision: City and Regional Councils recognises our creative industries research and action plan. The research report Snapshot: Auckland's creative industries included quantitative analysis highlighting the economic contribution of the sector and its critical mass in Auckland city. It also included qualitative insights into the creative sector based on interviews with 400 stakeholders. Blueprint: Growing Auckland's creative industries is an action plan aimed at lifting Auckland city's creative industries to greater national and international economic success. Both Snapshot and Blueprint are new pieces of policy work for us and are unique in the New Zealand local government environment. Both research and action plan were created in conjunction with people who work in the creative industries in Auckland. These publications identify ways to harness the creative sector's potential and ensure economic growth in Auckland. The Creative Places awards judges noted that this work was a good example of a genuine consultation strategy with the creative sector. We are already a significant supporter of the arts as an important cultural lifestyle choice in the city. Blueprint reflects the council's commitment to the creative sector in an economic context. We will drive initiatives to assist the creative sector's growth and development. The research and action plan provide a workable model that could be adopted by other local government authorities. Semi Permanent Design ConferenceWe were a proud sponsor of New Zealand's largest design event - Semi-Permanent 07. The one-day event on Saturday, 11 August showcased the entire design and creative spectrum, ranging from graphic design, animation and advertising through to fashion and graffiti art. Featuring guest speakers and displays from New Zealand and around the globe, Semi-Permanent aimed to engage with and inspire those already involved in the industry and design enthusiasts alike. Guest speakers at this year's event at the Aotea Centre included Misery, Glue Society, MadeThought and United Visual Artists. Visit www.semipermanent.com/auckland for more information. Auckland city is home to 79 per cent of the region's creative sector. Employment in the creative industries in Auckland city in the period between 2000 and 2006 grew at nearly three times the national growth rate. G3: Games, Girls, GraphicsAs part of achieving the goals of Blueprint, our creative industries action plan, council supported the New Zealand Game Developers Association (NZGDA) as a sponsor of G3: Games, Girls and Graphics. The aim of the free two-day event, held at Auckland Town Hall, was to encourage young women to take up careers in the creative digital media industry. Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee chairperson, Councillor Richard Northey said the council's support of the event recognises the importance of the creative industries to Auckland's economic development. Blueprint ready for Auckland's creative industriesAuckland City Council launched its creative industries action plan, "Blueprint: Growing Auckland's creative industries", at the Auckland Town Hall today. The action plan outlines initiatives to help grow and promote Auckland's creative sector and help Auckland city's creative industries achieve greater national, and international, economic success. These include working with organisations to connect Auckland's creative industries to international markets and increase exports; contribute to career development of emerging creative talent; and provide business incubator support and enterprise development initiatives. The creative sector contributes more than $1.7 billion (7 per cent) to the city's GDP. Auckland city is the hub of New Zealand's creative industries with 79 per cent of regional creative sector employment and 39 per cent of national creative sector employment. Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee chairperson, Councillor Richard Northey, says the action plan is a positive step forward for local government economic development. "Blueprint: Growing Auckland city's creative industries" will be implemented over the next 10 years and has three main goals:
"The council is already a significant supporter of creative and artistic endeavour," says Mr Northey. "Blueprint, provides a focus for our support of the growth of the creative sector - including opportunities to facilitate and partner with central government and relevant agencies on creative industry projects." New council-supported initiatives include The Icehouse's accelerator seminar series for start up businesses, Kick Start, and the Art Venture programme to help creative entrepreneurs generate positive economic outcomes for the Auckland region. These add to current initiatives such as developing the Town Hall Arts Precinct, the mayoral taskforce on urban design, and signature events such as Air New Zealand Fashion Week. The action plan was developed though extensive consultation with a range of parties, including input from the creative sector, business people, elected representatives, council officers and the council's creative industries advisory group. Blueprint: Growing Auckland city's creative industriesAn action plan to support the growth of Auckland city's creative sector was endorsed by the council's Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee yesterday. The plan "Blueprint: Growing Auckland city's creative industries" outlines new initiatives aimed at growing Auckland's creative sector. These include working with organisations to link Auckland's creative industries to international markets and increase exports; contributing to career development of emerging creative talent; and providing business incubator support and enterprise development initiatives. These initiatives are a result of extensive research into the creative sector and a 2005 report "Snapshot: Auckland's Creative Industries", which showed the creative sector contributed $1.17 billion (6.3 per cent) to the city's GDP in 2003 and accounted for 37 per cent of the nation's creative sector jobs. "Blueprint: Growing Auckland city's creative industries" outlines three main goals:
Councillor Richard Northey, Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee chairperson says "Blueprint" will result in the council actively promoting and assisting Auckland city's creative industries to greater national and international economic success. "We have listened to what the creative sector has said and as a result of our findings, we now have an agenda for action - one that matches our vision of creating a city that attracts talent, nurtures ideas and embraces our unique critical mass in the creative industries," says Mr Northey. "Implementing the strategies and actions within each goal will contribute to growing Auckland city's creative industries and enhancing the city's performance on a long-term sustainable basis. These three goals are interconnected and they work together in a cyclical way, which means performance in one area has flow-on benefits in other areas." Mr Northey says the council is looking forward to more effective collaboration with the sector and building relationships that will help generate a shared understanding for the future sustainability of the creative industries in Auckland. "Auckland City already is a significant supporter of creative and artistic endeavour. Traditionally that support has been measured in cultural terms. Blueprint is different in that it reflects Auckland City's commitment in an economic context to strengthen the sustainable development of our city's creative industries." Blueprint contributes to the council's economic development strategy and aligns with other Auckland City plans and strategies such as the Urban Design frameworks, CBD Public Art Plan, Our Future Auckland, Auckland's CBD - Into the Future strategy, Auckland City events strategy and Arts Agenda. Mayoral robes get a Fashion Week makeoverMayor of Auckland City, Dick Hubbard stepped out tonight at the opening of Air New Zealand Fashion Week in new look Mayoral robes designed specially for fashion week, thanks to a joint project between Auckland City and AUT University. Auckland City and AUT University are working together to reflect the council's support of the city's emerging creative talent. AUT Bachelor of Design (Fashion) student Michelle Boyes has devoted approximately 150 hours to designing, knitting, felting, sewing and hand-stitching the Mayoral robes from all natural, all New Zealand materials. "We have amazing resources here in New Zealand but they're often overlooked," says Ms Boyes. "I'm really passionate about using natural, local materials and that was something the Mayor was keen on as well." Ms Boyes, who is in her third year of the degree, worked with Woolyarns, Basically Bush and Swarovski to source the materials and create a more modern take on the robes. Woolyarns chose to custom produce a totally unique blend of merino possum silk yarn for the Auckland Mayoral Robe, as an example of the type of fabrics which can be produced from yarns produced exclusively in New Zealand. The colour of the yarn is also unique to this project and has been dubbed "Mayoral Red". Swarovski provided crystals for the project and Ms Boyes has threaded more than 6000 crystals to create four iconic Auckland panels - Rangitoto, the Sky Tower, Pohutukawa flower and sails on the harbour. Possum trim from Opotiki-based Basically Bush is the final touch on Ms Boyes' design, replacing the English pelts on the current Mayoral robes, which draw heavily on ceremonial British garb dating back to the seventeenth century. "It was a bit of a wrench handing them over, they've been such a big part of my life for the last couple of months," says Ms Boyes. "It has been a fantastic project though, and we are all really proud of how they turned out." Auckland City is a long-standing supporter of Auckland's creative sector and has sponsored Air New Zealand Fashion Week since its inception in 2001. Mayor Hubbard says "We're proud to be the home of Air New Zealand Fashion Week, which is a great opportunity to showcase Auckland and New Zealand fashion talent. " "This has been a wonderful opportunity to see the design process in action as the robes have taken shape before my eyes. We have a huge pool of creative people in Auckland and New Zealand, and I'm privileged to be able to wear something that showcases our emerging talent." "We recognise that the fashion industry is an important economic driver for the city and acknowledge the contribution the industry and the designers make." Note: Screen production initiative to enhance Auckland economy - 30 June 2006As a long-standing supporter of the city and region's screen production industry, Auckland City is pleased the country's largest studio and sound stage has been given the green light as part of the Auckland screen production industry major regional initiative (MRI). Waitakere City Council has partnered with the Tony Tay Group to develop a $7 million world class sound stage which will be built in Henderson. The facility is the largest of its kind in New Zealand and construction will begin later this year with completion in 2007. In 2004, the Auckland screen production industry was granted $2 million by the Ministry of Economic Development and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise for an MRI to develop significant infrastructure and a marketing and capability development programme. Councillor Richard Northey, chairperson of council's Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee, says Auckland City is proud to support the MRI. "This major regional initiative is a first for Auckland and provides an important economic driver for screen production in the Auckland region. We want Auckland to be a successful and creative international city and the screen production industry is a key part of our city and our future," said Mr Northey. "Auckland City worked closely and effectively with Film Auckland, Waitakere City Council, Enterprise Waitakere and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to develop the business case for the MRI application in 2004 so it is rewarding to see the sound stage and marketing elements coming to fruition. "The activation of the screen production MRI is a great achievement for Auckland. It builds on the region's investment in the sector and will deliver real value for Auckland, the screen production industry and New Zealand," said Mr Northey. Film Auckland will undertake the marketing and capability building programme components of the MRI for the Auckland industry and aims to grow the industry through local and international marketing, increasing domestic and international activity and increasing training and networking. Peter Parnham, Chair of Film Auckland says, "Many key industry players have contributed to the vision for the screen production MRI, and now its realisation will lift the industry to the next level." The economic impact report prepared for the Auckland Economic Regional Development Strategy (AREDS) projected that this MRI could see the Auckland region generating additional GDP of at least $32 million over the next five years and the addition of hundreds more jobs each year. The creative industries and screen production have been identified as key growth industries with the potential to enable growth across other sectors of the economy. Screen production is a high value industry relying on a combination of infrastructure, skilled personnel, industry capability, locations and a film-friendly environment to attract new investment at the international level to boost local industry. Currently screen production in Auckland accounts for around two-thirds of all film industry activity in New Zealand. The region has a strong history of producing local dramas, television commercials, post and visual effects, as well as local and international television and film projects - such as Sione's Wedding, the Hercules and Xena series and The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The screen production (film and television) and radio sector is heavily concentrated in Auckland city with 87 per cent of regional and 48 per cent of national employment located in the city. 71 per cent of national television employment is located in Auckland city. Co-production deal signed - 25 June 2006Auckland City recently hosted the signing of the first co-production agreement between a Singaporean movie company (MediaCorp Raintree Pictures) and leading New Zealand and Auckland CBD-based TV production company Eyeworks-Touchdown. Mayor Dick Hubbard says the agreement shows how the creative sector can help build international relationships and contribute to Auckland developing as a sophisticated, vibrant, international city. Mr Hubbard says local government has an important role to play in facilitating the development of key industries that contribute to the economy. "Screen production is a key part of the creative industries and a major contributor to the future of Auckland's economic growth." The Mayor says Auckland's market size, cosmopolitan environment, unique lifestyle and diverse community make it an attractive place to do business and a key contributor to New Zealand's overall economic success. Showcasing creative concepts in Auckland - 23 June 2006Auckland City is supporting the Concept06 design showcase as part of a commitment to celebrate and build the city's creative industries. Concept06 is a design extravaganza presenting concepts that cover all disciplines, from graphic to marine, furniture to automotive, product and industrial design. It is an opportunity for designers to display a uniquely kiwi approach to design and build on New Zealand's reputation for innovative and original work. Councillor Richard Northey, chairperson of the Economic Development and Sustainable Development Committee, says the council is proud to support the design industry as an important economic and creative driver for the city. "The Concept06 initiative provides an ideal opportunity to feature home-grown talent, highlight the design field and focus on creating industry and public awareness of work being generated in New Zealand – a key sub-sector of the creative industries sector that Auckland City is looking to develop." Mr Northey says the creative industries employ more than 18,000 people in the region, 70 per cent of whom are based in Auckland city. "We recognise that the creative industries are important to the overall economic and cultural development of Auckland city," said Mr Northey. "We work regularly with industry groups and organisations to support the sustainable development of creative industries in Auckland and to generate economic and community benefit." Each year, Auckland City supports events that showcase the quality and achievement of New Zealand's creative talent and highlight the economic importance of creative industries. The Concept06 showcase is open to the public on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June at the Old Alinghi base, Jellicoe St in the Viaduct Basin. For more information: www.concept06.co.nz Action plan to support creative industries - 4 May 2006An action plan to consult with the creative sector on ways Auckland City can help creative industries fulfil their economic potential for the city has been endorsed by the council's Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee. The plan "Creative Action" details strategies for three main objectives aimed at increasing the visibility of Auckland's creative industries, supporting their competitive advantage in the regional and national economy, and developing a better understanding of sector issues. The plan was developed following research which highlighted the potential economic strength of Auckland's creative industries. A November 2005 report, Snapshot: Auckland's Creative Industries, showed the creative sector contributed $1.17 billion (6.3 per cent) to the city's GDP in 2003 and accounted for 37 per cent of the nation's creative sector jobs. Following industry consultation, the action plan will be updated and reported back to the committee later this year. Committee chair Councillor Richard Northey said the plan foreshadowed an exciting period in the economic development of Auckland's creative industries. "It includes a wide range of activities to support the sector and recognises the diverse cultural and social benefits the industry can provide as well as the economic potential." Possible new initiatives include a marketing campaign to promote Auckland's creative sector in New Zealand and internationally. Other initiatives could be covered by existing budgets. "Consultation with the sector must also include a robust prioritisation process to ensure agreed initiatives are funded," Councillor Northey added. City action plan to support creative sector - 2 November 2005Auckland City will develop an action plan to enhance and support the growth of the creative sector in the city.Councillor Richard Northey, chairperson of the Economic Development and Sustainable Development committee said today that Auckland City's recent economic research into the sector clearly demonstrates the creative industries are already an important economic driver for the city with great growth potential. "The sector is uniquely important because it drives growth across other sectors of the Auckland economy from manufacturing to services. The sector's potential economic impact could provide Auckland with a distinctive competitive advantage," said Mr Northey. Auckland City's research provided important information and insights into the nature, motivations and aspirations of over 400 stakeholders in the creative industries in Auckland. "We have listened to what the creative sector has said. Now we are committed to producing an action plan that will support the growth of the creative industries and will help realise the vital contribution the sector can make to Auckland over the long-term," said Mr Northey. The creative industries action plan will align with other Auckland City plans and strategies such as the CBD Into the future strategy, the long-term planning process and Auckland City's other work to support economic development in the city. The council will collaborate with representatives from the creative industries and key external agencies to develop the action plan, which is due for completion in the middle of next year. The creative sector contributed $1.17 billion in to Auckland city's economy in 2003. This is equivalent to 6.3 per cent of total city GDP of $19.8 billion and is on a par with the construction industry at 5.9 per cent. Auckland city's creative industriesFollowing accepted international classifications, Auckland City defines the creative industries as:
Creative industries generating buzz in Auckland - 1 November 2005Auckland's creative businesses are growing faster than anywhere else in New Zealand, according to a report launched by Auckland City today. Of New Zealand's estimated 36,540 creative sector full time employees, 18,730 are located in the Auckland region, with 73 per cent of these located in Auckland city. Full time positions in these industries in Auckland city have been growing at twice the rate of other regions in New Zealand. "The research shows that Auckland city is very much the home of the creative industries, we are for example the national centre for advertising and television, said Councillor Northey, chairperson of the Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee. Auckland City's research report, Snapshot: Auckland's creative industries, is an economic view of the creative industries developed through both statistical analysis and feedback from over 400 businesses and agencies. "In line with international trends, we need to improve our understanding of the creative industries in order to harness their value and make the economy work as hard as it can, said Mr Northey. "The strong correlation between successful creative industries developing a successful economy and dynamic, stimulating city has been globally recognised, said Mr Northey. Auckland City spoke to over 400 stakeholders in the creative industries to understand the needs of the sector and to examine potential roles for the council and partners to support economic growth. The results provide insights into the nature, motivations and aspirations of those working in the creative industries in Auckland city. Overall, the sector sees itself as having a great deal to contribute towards the city and specifically, it would like recognition of their potential as an even more important economic force. "The report will form the basis for Auckland City to develop an action plan that will outline opportunities for the city to collaborate and partner with others to better assist the creative industries in Auckland city, said Mr Northey. "We are a long-standing champion of the city's and region's creative industries and we are committed to supporting the city's economic growth across many industry sectors, including the creative industries, said Mr Northey. Central government also has highlighted the creative industries in the Growth and Innovation Framework as a sector capable of helping to generate transformation in the New Zealand economy. Following accepted international classifications, Auckland City defines the creative industries as:
City backs creatives - 16 October 2005Auckland City's sponsorship of Air New Zealand Fashion Week (18 to 21 October) is part of an events strategy based on celebrating and building the city's creative industries. Auckland City has supported the world-class event since 2000 and, in the process, helped fashion entrepreneurs make an impact nationally and globally. Auckland City Mayor Dick Hubbard says that the council backs the fashion industry in Auckland 100 per cent. Mr Hubbard will offer sartorial support for the industry at Fashion Week's opening event by modelling clothes designed by AUT design student Bevan Avery. Councillor Richard Northey, chairperson of the council's Economic Development and Sustainable Committee, says the council recognises the fashion industry as an important economic driver for the city. "We have a deeper pool of talent than anywhere else in the country, with some 18,000 people employed in creative industries in the region, the majority of which are located in Auckland city." Launch of Film Auckland boosts regional economic development - 17 August 2005Launched by the Prime Minister on Wednesday 17 August and proudly supported by Auckland City, Film Auckland will help support the growth of what is already one of the region's most important economic sectors. Film Auckland is an industry-led organisation that is set up to help develop the screen production industry for the region. It supports both internationals filming in the region and the domestic industry, and undertakes marketing initiatives to promote Auckland as a screen production destination to the rest of the world. Film Auckland welcomed on board principal sponsor, Telecom and acknowledged the importance of telecommunications infrastructure to the success of New Zealand's screen industry. Film Auckland has $2 million in Major Regional Initiative (MRI) funding from NZTE approved and are confident they will match the MRI funding with $2.5 million in private sector funding. This has helped generate support for the construction of the country's second and largest, sound stage in Henderson. Prior to the launch celebration Film Auckland ran YourVoice '05, an industry forum facilitated by Rod Oram to foster discussion and ideas on the future development of screen production in Auckland. Auckland City hosts creative workshop - May 2005Auckland City hosted a Creative New Zealand workshop recently (12 May 2005) as part of a regional series being held throughout New Zealand. The 50 attendees were selected due to their work in and support for the creative industry in the Auckland region, and came from a range of back grounds including arts and creative practitioners, business owners and sector allies in local government, education and business. The workshop looked at the ways in which connections between the arts sector, the creative industries and the creative economy in the region can be stronger; ways in which creative sectors can further contribute to the creative economies of the city and the region; and what is required to enable creative practitioners to develop and succeed. Auckland City's creative industries manager Tara Pradhan says creative industries employ more than 18,000 people in the region, 70 per cent of which are in Auckland city. The council is conducting research into the creative industry in Auckland as it is vital to better understand the sector in order for it to grow and develop in a sustainable way. Elisabeth Vaneveld, Manager, Northern Arts Services at Creative New Zealand says the response to the workshop series throughout the country proves that the arts sector is a significant contributor to the creative economy. Professional artists and other practitioners are keen to expand their ideas into many different sectors and the workshops generated some exciting ways of doing this. The attendees nominated four people from within the creative sector to be the Auckland region representatives at the Creative NZ Arts and Creative Economy national forum in August. The national forum will consider the ideas and issues that have emerged from the regional workshops. The decision on who will attend the forum will be made in early June 2005. Design hailed as an export x-factor - 27 March 2005Auckland City sponsored the Better by Design conference's opening breakfast session on 30 March, where corporate strategist Rod Oram and branding expert Brian Richards discussed how New Zealand's design stacks up on the world stage. Finding the x-factor to help Kiwi companies become international stars was the topic of a three-day business 'boot-camp' in Auckland from 29 to 31 March. About 350 chief executives of leading companies with a turnover of between $5 million and $50 million a year, attended the Better by Design conference highlighting how smart, innovative design in products and services could help New Zealand increase its export earnings. The conference was also a launching pad for the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise design task-force's initiative to select 50 ambitious companies - including adventure equipment maker Macpac - and help them take a more design-led business approach to generate an additional $500 million in export earnings over five years. They will receive free mentoring services and funding on a 50/50 basis for a new design project. An October 2003 taskforce report said that less than four per cent of New Zealand firms export their products, and only 151 export products earning more than $25 million a year. The report says that New Zealand businesses must make design central to business strategy if they want to establish a long-term position in international markets. Mayor Dick Hubbard also gave a talk about the importance of design to the city's economy. Auckland City's creative industries manager Tara Pradhan says creative industries employ more than 18,000 people in the region, 70 per cent of which are based in Auckland city. The council is researching the sector and its needs with a view to developing a better platform for growth. Find out more about the conference online at www.betterbydesign.org.nz. Auckland City supports development of the digital media industry - 7 July 2004Auckland City joined with creative industry organisations and businesses to co-sponsor the Girls + Games Symposium held in Auckland in July. The symposium was part of the first New Zealand Innovation Festival and aimed to highlight career opportunities for women in the area of digital games and interactive digital media - a key sub-sector of the creative industries sector that Auckland City is looking to help develop. Digital media has been identified as a key sub-sector of the creative industries sector that Auckland City is looking to help develop. "We recognise that the creative industries are important to the overall economic development of Auckland city," said Councillor Scott Milne. "We work with industry groups and organisations like the Media Design School and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to support the sustainable development of creative businesses in Auckland. "Interactive digital media and games are an exciting industry sub-sector and Auckland City Council wholeheartedly supports this symposium and its messages to encourage women to explore the industry as a career option," said Mr Milne. Some of the countries leading digital media businesses are located in Auckland city. Some 18,000 people are employed in creative industries in the Auckland region with the majority of creative industry business located in the Auckland city area. The council is currently undertaking research to better understand the creative industry sector which includes the digital media industry. Auckland City supports big ideas for future of design - 5 July 2004Auckland City and The Big Idea Charitable Trust hosted a presentation by Dr Don Norman, in July this year. Dr Norman is a design industry advocate of human-centred design and simplicity believing the well-rounded product will enhance the heart as well as the mind, being a joy to behold, to use, to own. Dr Norman's presentation, Design: the next frontier, shows that design is the secret to transforming ordinary products or services into world-class, value added products leading to high economic growth for businesses. In his latest book Emotional Design: Why we love (or hate) everyday things, Dr Norman says people enjoy using well-designed products and services. "Dr Norman's philosophy is particularly relevant to Auckland City council's vision for the city," Councillor Scott Milne, chairperson of Auckland City Council's Recreation and Events Committee. "We want Aucklanders to enjoy using and living in their own city. Council's desire is to improve the design aspects of our city on all levels. Our role is to ensure Auckland is a functional city and a city where people want to live and do business." Auckland City's Into the future strategy outlines the way the council plans for residential and business growth in the central business district area and also deals with transport, environmental, social and cultural issues. "Our vision for the central business district, is to create one of the world's most vibrant and dynamic business and cultural centres through revitalising the environment. This will create a value-added product that will lead to business and economic growth for the city," said Mr Milne. Auckland City supports the creative industries by working with industry groups and organisations to support the sustainable development of the industry in Auckland city. The visit by Dr Norman is especially timely for The Big Idea Trust. The trust is managing the establishment of IQ – a centre of excellence for creative ideas and innovation in Auckland. The initiative is one of four winners in the CUBE Ideas Competition and Dr Norman's visit to Auckland will provide a unique opportunity to hear from him about centres in other places that could provide inspiration for the IQ initiative. The presentation by Dr Norman was held in the Carlton Hotel Ballroom on Tuesday 6 July at 10am. Dr Norman is co-founder of the Neilsen Norman Group, a consulting firm that helps companies produce human-centred products and services. He is also Professor of Computer Science and Psychology at Northwestern University and Professor Emeritus of both Cognitive Science and Psychology at the University of California, San Diego. For more information: www.jnd.org. Women film-makers converge on Auckland (from City Scene) published 18 April 2004The profile of Auckland's screen production industry received another boost through the city hosting the Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) biennial conference. The four-day event from 21 to 24 April attracted around 350 delegates from around the world. Film Auckland (supported by Auckland City) and Auckland City were sponsors of the conference. Auckland region is Film Friendly - 2003Auckland City Council is one of seven other local and district councils in the Auckland region that have been granted 'Film Friendly' status by Local Government New Zealand. Updated August 2008 |
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