What’s a creative thing you like to do in your spare time?

When I have spare time, which hasn’t been very often of late, I like to sew.  I have a sewing machine permanently set up so I can go and work on one of my many projects on the go – even when I only have a few spare minutes.

What’s your favourite creative thing to do with your whānau or friends?

I love concerts and musical theatre so I always made sure my sons went to many live music gigs and theatre performances.  We’ve attended live performances from all genres including symphony orchestras, kapa haka, Green Day, the Rolling Stones, opera, ACDC, and lots of New Zealand artists. I’m very pleased that my sons, as adults, still attend many, many live performances.

Why is it important for young people to have creativity in their lives?

Creativity stimulates and motivates young people.  In my experience it opens the mind to enable young people to look at solutions to problems with many different perspectives.  It encourages young people to see the world through different lenses and, in a time of uncertainty, it encourages young people to express their feelings and show strength in their cultural identity.

Why does creativity and culture matter to Aotearoa New Zealand?

Our stories and history are unique, and it is right that we celebrate them.  In a time of uncertainty in the world nurturing creativity is critical.  There has never been a time to be more vigilant and protective of the humanities and artistic expression than now.  Creativity and culture allow our citizens to stand strong in their identity – to feel valued through belonging.  The diversity within our population can be nurtured through creativity.  Importantly we show strength and maturity as a country in celebrating and valuing creativity of our indigenous culture.

If you were Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, what’s the first thing you would do?

It’s important to explore an Aotearoa Arts Strategy, bringing together the significant work underway in the arts and culture sector.

If you were made Minister, would the government’s investment for creativity go up or down?

This government has made a lot of investment into the arts and support needs to continue and grow through our cultural entities.

What will your party do to ensure that artists have the opportunity to access fair pay and fees for their work?

Advancing fair pay is of critical importance to this government.  Artists need to be valued for the amazing work they do.  Bringing together the work already underway in the sector would ensure artists being treated fairly would not slip off the radar.