MEDIA RELEASE
1 November 2005

Creative industries generating buzz in Auckland

Auckland'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:

- design (including graphic design, architecture, advertising and designer fashion)

- publishing (book, periodical and newspaper)

- music

- performing arts

- visual arts, crafts and photography

- screen production and radio (film, television, video, radio and digital media).

ENDS

© Scoop Media