We put some questions to those standing for the mayoralty in the upcoming Tauranga City Council elections to find out what they think of arts, culture and creativity and their hopes for the city in this respect. They could leave out any questions they did not want to respond to. The questions were sent on Monday 27 May, with a reminder on Wednesday 5 June. These are the responses we received:
Tanya Bamford-King
What’s a creative thing you like to do in your spare time?
I co-direct the amazing performance team, Curves O Plenty, and co-produce the regular burlesque cabaret show Salon Risqué. I also convene a bi-monthly art session with the Tauranga Society of Artists and attend multiple dance classes each week. I spend a fair amount of time and resources enjoying both local and national shows and events – performance and fine arts.
What’s your favourite creative thing to do with your whānau or friends?
How about my two favourite things. I LOVE working with the Curves team creating fun and exciting performance experiences – they are my friends and whanau (literally, my immediate whānau are all involved). I also enjoying visiting fine arts venues or attending performance events – comedy, music, dance arts – with friends and whānau.
Why is it important for young people to have creativity in their lives?
Being involved in creative activities while young enables us to delve into diverse modes of thinking and feeling, nurturing the growth of ideas beyond the conventional. It fosters a strong basis for continual engagement with the arts, providing a means to express and savour life throughout a lifetime.
Why does creativity and indigenous culture matter to Aotearoa New Zealand?
Our indigenous culture is a unique and beautiful way to engage in the arts and tell the story of the people of New Zealand. It not only holds a significant place in our past, but also forms an integral part of the ongoing narrative of Aotearoa/New Zealand today.
What role do you see arts and culture playing in attracting tourism and boosting the local economy?
History, arts and culture are an important part of what makes Tauranga the amazing, vibrant city it is. It is the best way to tell our stories and to share what makes Tauranga special. Fostering a vibrant arts and culture scene will not only enhance the Tauranga experience for residents, but it will also draw more people to discover the wonders of our city. For visitors wanting to enjoy a full and exciting arts experience alongside the explorations of our natural wonders, and for potential migrants who want to become a permanent part of our thriving arts scene.
Do you think we have sufficient infrastructure in Tauranga to support the arts? If not, what would be your priority for investment?
I am fully behind the council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Action, Investment Plan. This would see not only ongoing support of existing arts infrastructure, but further investment in the development of the proposed civic centre with a strong focus on heritage, culture and art written into its brief, and increased investment in public and community-based art projects and installations.
If you are elected Mayor, how would you advocate for creativity in the community?
There are already a number of exciting and diverse creative organisations, individuals and societies in the Tauranga arts community. At this stage, I feel council support of the local arts community in Tauranga is somewhat disjointed leaving the arts community unsure of its ongoing place and support within the greater Tauranga community. One of my focuses would be on how the council can provide a more stable support base for the many existing arts organisations, enabling greater community engagement and involvement in local arts projects, and societies.
If you are elected Mayor, do you think council’s investment in creativity would go up, down or remain the same.
I would wholeheartedly support the proposed increase in investment in Tauranga local creative communities and infrastructure. I would strongly advocate for the focus of that increase being on local arts, creatives and investment.
Aureliu Braguta
What’s a creative thing you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy dancing Argentine tango and am actively involved with the tango community. An interest in science and engineering has led to creating for my business new tools and machines.
What’s your favourite creative thing to do with your whānau or friends?
I dance tango which gives freedom of expression and interpretation of music via dance. It also gives me the opportunity to meet and connect with a cross section of individuals in the local community. My kids and I are constantly coming up with different creative ideas. In addition, my daughter likes painting and my son likes to build Lego.
Why is it important for young people to have creativity in their lives?
Creativity is very important for all of us, not just for young people. Creating something starts with a combination of that initial intuitive spark along with the exploration of our minds to come up with new ideas. In children it is important to nourish and harness this for future innovation.
Why does creativity and indigenous culture matter to Aotearoa New Zealand?
Creative expression is an integral part in the development and expression of indigenous culture. It gives us a glimpse into the beginning of our civilisation and explains to us how we got where we are today by showing us how it all started.
What role do you see arts and culture playing in attracting tourism and boosting the local economy?
Every country has its own arts and culture and the majority of people like exploring the differences and the similarities. I think there is potential to build on existing art and culture events, attract more visitors and increase the local economy.
Do you think we have sufficient infrastructure in Tauranga to support the arts? If not, what would be your priority for investment?
I am uncertain if we have sufficient infrastructure for our arts, but I would look at fixing and where possible improving existing facilities before committing to new projects. In conjunction, it will be important to look at what parking solutions have been planned or need to be proposed.
If you are elected Mayor, how would you advocate for creativity in the community?
I would advocate for dialogue between different art communities; to come together and have a unified goal in promoting and growing awareness of what the art community has to offer.
If you are elected Mayor, do you think council’s investment in creativity would go up, down or remain the same.
At this stage I would not commit to any investment until I have the opportunity to see the existing budget and what is the likelihood of a return on investment for potential and actual job creation in the creative arts. Also, I would like to assess how the investment has had an impact on building creative potential in the community, inspiring local participation, attracting investment and visitors to the area. Future investment considerations can then be developed.
Greg Brownless
What’s a creative thing you like to do in your spare time?
Playing musical instrument, singing, writing, reading.
What’s your favourite creative thing to do with your whānau or friends?
Attend an exhibition or a theatrical show (performance art).
Why is it important for young people to have creativity in their lives?
Not only does it stimulate thought, but it also often leads to lateral thinking and problem solving.
Why does creativity and indigenous culture matter to Aotearoa New Zealand?
It is unique to our country and all part of the diverse fabric that encompasses humanity.
What role do you see arts and culture playing in attracting tourism and boosting the local economy?
I believe people and in particular visitors are attracted to different experiences and like to make learning a part of their experience, therefore arts and culture play an important part in this.
Do you think we have sufficient infrastructure in Tauranga to support the arts? If not, what would be your priority for investment?
Affordable spaces are lacking and hampering a number of groups. That would be my priority.
If you are elected Mayor, how would you advocate for creativity in the community?
I’m one of the few mayors to actively participate in the arts, particularly in performance. I lead by example with the trust I established funding performance and scholarship in Tauranga secondary schools to this day.
If you are elected Mayor, do you think council’s investment in creativity would go up, down or remain the same.
Potentially increase but stay the same subject to transparency from council regarding its finances. Certainly not the user fees hike proposed by the Commission, to which I objected publicly and widely.
Andrew Caie
What’s a creative thing you like to do in your spare time?
I have had limited free time for a while now. During my alone downtime I like to videogame, and so that is how I generally express my creativity – through the worlds I create, or the stories I role-play. Presently I am really enjoying Jurassic World Evolution – a zoo tycoon game with dinosaurs – where I can spend a bit too long beautifying the park and designing the enclosures. I have also recently started playing Dungeon and Dragons and am really enjoying it! I would eventually like to try DM’ing as world building is amazing fun!
What’s your favourite creative thing to do with your whānau or friends?
Painting rocks! For the last year I’ve been regularly attending events at the Historic Village, and my son saw the rock box. Not long after that he found a painted rock while climbing a tree at Gate Pa / Pukehinahina reserve. So since then, we have regularly been painting rocks and dropping them off to the rock box.
Why is it important for young people to have creativity in their lives?
In my opinion, creativity encourages ‘outside the box’ thinking which is an amazingly useful and transferable skill. The longer we can foster creativity in our young people, the more they will have that skill as they expand into their ‘working lives’ and contribute to their community in their own way. Innovation and progress are typically driven by people who come along and break the mould or do things differently. And if you are already ‘thinking outside the box’, then the likelihood of you being able to see or do things differently increases. Creativity is synonymous with progress!
Why does creativity and indigenous culture matter to Aotearoa New Zealand?
For creativity it’s mostly as I’ve mentioned above – it is a skill that has to be fostered and the development of it comes with many other transferable skills. I believe indigenous culture is important because it offers a unique perspective that is tied to the land from which it is developed. Myths and legends and stories about why things are done the way they are, are often generated and passed down as a way of keeping records and information.
For example, the indigenous cultures of Australia were expert fire managers. The indigenous cultures of South America cultivated much of the Amazon to produce plentiful food. In NZ I visited a marae, and they told me their local taniwha was a warning not to build on the other side of the river because it floods too often.
Before record keeping (and after, as we lose a lot of what we write down), much of this knowledge was passed down through ‘culture and customs’. This can often contain key knowledge that is at risk of being lost when the dominant culture is primarily derived from elsewhere. That is why I believe it’s important to cherish and sustain indigenous cultures.
What role do you see arts and culture playing in attracting tourism and boosting the local economy?
I view them as a fundamental part of Tauranga’s development. My entire campaign is based around the simple fact that Tauranga cannot afford itself. Urban sprawl is expensive, exponentially so. Tauranga is nothing more than a city of suburbs that have sprawled and because of this it can no longer afford itself!
Tauranga NEEDS intensification to pay for itself. Therefore, it needs to ATTRACT people who want to live in high density residential buildings, and it needs to attract developers to build those apartments. People who live in high density dwellings in the middle of a city want different amenities than people who live in suburbia. They want museums and galleries, zoos and aquariums. They want theatres and venues that Taylor Swift might swing by to. They want conference centres that one week hosts Comicon and the next week hosts a business symposium. They want a stadium that will attract the All Blacks to town.
All of these things cost to build, but mostly will contribute an economic benefit for Tauranga beyond their ongoing maintenance. That is so lame but it’s how we have to sell things in the modern era. But they contribute beyond economics. Museums and galleries might have grants and exhibitions that encourage local artists, theatres can host local events and clubs, and the hospitality industry booms for a weekend when the stadium fills.
These amenities are not only imperative to generating a city that has art, culture and LIFE! But they will ultimately attract people to this city that we need in order for us to actually be able to sustain ourselves as a city. For Tauranga to be able to afford itself!
Do you think we have sufficient infrastructure in Tauranga to support the arts? If not, what would be your priority for investment?
No. As explained above, I’ll save your time and not repeat myself. How very un-politician-like of me. The suburbs were asked “do you want to build a museum” – and suburbs barely wanting their rates to touch something that is not in their neck of the woods – resoundingly said no.
I am still very much a fan of community input – but the question was wrong. We need intensification to pay for ourselves, so we need residents who want to live in apartments, and we need developers to build the apartments, therefore we need amenities to attract them both. This was not explained to the people at all. So, couple actual education with the right question and you can get a feeling of the wants of the people.
So, the question needs to be “what do you want to build for the city first: a museum and conference centre, an aquarium and an appropriately sized theatre, or a stadium fit for a city of our size”. Building nothing is not an option.
Personally, I think one of NZ’s major flaws is that we start a lot of things, pay plenty in planning, have an election, then pay plenty in cancellation fees. Tauranga needs to refine and stick to a 10-year plan that is going to develop the city properly so it can afford itself. Seeing as the planning is already underway, I think we should refine what has been left to us to ensure it suits our needs (the museum / conference centre complex) and then complete it! If the city wants another amenity first, I’m happy to change that. But we need to pick one and finish it! Ultimately the next two decades for this city are about building a CBD fit for a modern city that can be an economic and cultural powerhouse to drive the whole city forward!
If you are elected Mayor, how would you advocate for creativity in the community?
I will advocate for the creative community by meeting with them and listening to them, by building cultural landmarks that help grow our city, and by protecting those that we do have. I live near the Historic Village, and I know there was a fight for its survival in the current long-term plan and I want to safeguard it and the other few we have while we build more.
If you are elected Mayor, do you think council’s investment in creativity would go up, down or remain the same.
Under my leadership council funding for creativity and cultural events would increase as I believe it’s fundamentally important to show developers and people moving here that we are serious about building an awesome city to live in, that can meet the range of needs its diverse population comes with!
Mahé Drysdale
No response was received.
Anthony Goddard
What’s a creative thing you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy doing up classic cars.
What’s your favourite creative thing to do with your whānau or friends?
Having my two boys (Charlie and Billy) help while tinkering with the classic cars is by far my favourite.
Why is it important for young people to have creativity in their lives?
Without creativity, what hope do we have in making a change?
Why does creativity and indigenous culture matter to Aotearoa New Zealand?
New Zealand has been built on the Māori culture and it has made us a better community with continual support of our original beginnings.
What role do you see arts and culture playing in attracting tourism and boosting the local economy?
As a well-travelled individual, every culture relates New Zealand to our Māori beginnings and everyone I speak to whilst overseas always say they’d love to see how we are and what we do.
Do you think we have sufficient infrastructure in Tauranga to support the arts? If not, what would be your priority for investment?
No way is there sufficient infrastructure for the arts; we’re sadly putting money into incredibly silly roading projects. I thoroughly enjoy the arts and culture and would be pushing hard to invest more into this sector.
If you are elected Mayor, how would you advocate for creativity in the community?
I’d promote creativity by organising community art projects, workshops, and open forums for sharing ideas and collaboration.
If you are elected Mayor, do you think council’s investment in creativity would go up, down or remain the same?
Increase.
Chudleigh Haggett
What you see is what you get with me. I am a sporty type, not arty. Your or any organisation has the right to approach council with any project and I will support any democratic decision made by elected councillors. I know very little about the arts and rely mainly on input from others.
What I will say is, for me, now is not the time to get bogged down in the touchy feely of arts, culture and creativity. Ratepayers have been not served well by the commissioners and getting the city on track so that we can be in a place to consider the arts should be the priority right now. Debt and huge projects, borrowing and doubling of staff need to be sorted first. Then a stable platform for all ratepayers will enable the city to do better.
Ria Hall
What’s a creative thing you like to do in your spare time?
When I get an opportunity in my schedule and when my mind needs a break, I enjoy writing verses for new song ideas. I am a singer by trade, and I love creative writing, so it is a perfect mix!
What’s your favourite creative thing to do with your whānau or friends?
Where possible, I love attending the arts festivals across the country with like-minded friends. Arts festivals are the best place to get a feel for a whole host of artistic delights from dance to theatre, visual arts, and panel discussions on the arts. Being amongst the energy and vibe is the best part of being in attendance as well. I’m also a long time kapa haka fan – and I still participate competitively. My children come along with me to practice and learn as well – intergenerational transmission of knowledge in its fullest effect. I’m here for it!
Why is it important for young people to have creativity in their lives?
Exercising creative muscles and being a participant in creative activities is valuable to our youth as a positive outlet. It gives them an opportunity to express themselves in ways that bring them joy and vitality and is fundamental to holistic well-being. It also supports connection and social cohesion – the benefits of creative pursuits are numerous!
Why does creativity and indigenous culture matter to Aotearoa New Zealand?
Te ao Māori is what sets us apart from the rest of the world. Creativity allows communities to connect to our indigenous identity in ways that are meaningful and brokers a beautiful opportunity to establish long standing relationships based on understanding and trust. I will always encourage people to engage with their local histories and stories of place as a means of empowerment through connection.
What role do you see arts and culture playing in attracting tourism and boosting the local economy?
Arts and culture are a lifeline to empowering diverse economies. People are attracted to Tauranga by and large, because of our stunning environment. I see an opportunity for Tauranga to really lean into these spaces, and with appropriate support and resourcing we could be a force in the market.
If you are elected Mayor, how would you advocate for creativity in the community?
I will advocate for arts and creativity to be appropriately resourced and supported to a level that allows growth and artistic prosperity. Furthermore, I will help create and encourage a positive culture from the council chambers that is proud of who we are as an artistic city, with a plethora of incredibly talented arts practitioners across the board who breathe life to our city!
Donna Hannah
What’s a creative thing you like to do in your spare time?
I’ve always had a passion for learning new crafts, whether it’s mastering the art of drag queen makeup, creating a mosaic lantern, or discovering how to grow mushrooms. During my quieter moments, though, I find myself drawn to upcycling, recycling, repurposing, and recreating.
What’s your favourite creative thing to do with your whānau or friends?
Each of my family and friends enjoys various creative pursuits, so the activities we engage in depend on who I’m with. We have a diverse range of options, from attending creative workshops and cooking together to exploring unconventional photography, working on mosaics, crafting beeswax wraps and soy melts, as well as knitting and macramé.
Why is it important for young people to have creativity in their lives?
When young people create, they explore, their minds brimming with ‘what ifs’. This creative process is magical and should be nurtured with mindfulness. We must be mindful not to impose our own perceptions by placing boundaries and limitations on them.
Why does creativity and indigenous culture matter to Aotearoa New Zealand?
Creativity and our indigenous culture are uniquely ours, treasures exclusive to our nation. They’re our taonga, our precious heritage. It’s imperative that we nurture and safeguard them, enabling them to flourish beyond our current understanding and expectations.
What role do you see arts and culture playing in attracting tourism and boosting the local economy?
We possess incredible opportunities to exhibit our arts and culture on a global stage, which can significantly enhance our tourism and economy. This potential must be cultivated, nurtured, and expanded beyond its current scope. Tauranga is a destination in its own regard, not merely a port for travellers to pass through en route to other destinations.
Do you think we have sufficient infrastructure in Tauranga to support the arts? If not, what would be your priority for investment?
Our existing infrastructure provides a foundation, but we require expansion. The essentials are in place, yet we need to attract more visitors to Tauranga for specific events, ideally over weekends, offering a wide array of supplementary activities during their stay. However, I value your insights greatly. As the expert in this domain, what do you consider our primary focus should be?
If you are elected Mayor, how would you advocate for creativity in the community?
I aim to represent what our community wants, rather than relying solely on my own knowledge. I invite your input on this matter, as decisions should not be made in isolation but through a process of consultation to ensure we get it right. If we’ve already done this, fantastic—we can move forward more quickly. I look forward to these discussions and the resulting decisions.
If you are elected Mayor, do you think council’s investment in creativity would go up, down or remain the same?
I hope to see the council’s investment remain steady or even increase—there’s no room for cuts. By leveraging our unique, creative, and diverse arts scene, we can attract more people to Tauranga and foster the city’s growth.
Hori BOP
What’s a creative thing you like to do in your spare time?
I’m a bit of a poet and purveyor of stories.
What’s your favourite creative thing to do with your whānau or friends?
Dinner parties and Rialto movies.
Why is it important for young people to have creativity in their lives?
Young people deserve the right to express themselves freely and creativity plays a big role in this desire.
Why does creativity and indigenous culture matter to Aotearoa New Zealand?
To provide diversity so that we can live together harmoniously.
What role do you see arts and culture playing in attracting tourism and boosting the local economy?
A vital role – how can a city promote itself if it does not have art and culture at its core.
Do you think we have sufficient infrastructure in Tauranga to support the arts? If not, what would be your priority for investment?
A fit for purpose stadium which can be built for under $50 million (costed) and investing in an evented based culture.
If you are elected Mayor, how would you advocate for creativity in the community?
The Mayor must be a shining example of creativity to awaken people from their slumber of normal life and make Tauranga an invigorating place to live and visit.
If you are elected Mayor, do you think council’s investment in creativity would go up, down or remain the same?
It is vital we invest in all spectrums to achieve a balanced city and that means taking the arts in its full capacity with us.
Tim Maltby
Tim has asked that we use the same responses he provided to questions from The Incubator Creative Hub.
How do you see/ experience and value arts, culture and creativity in our city?
I think creativity is important for all cultures. Creativity is part of our human experience, part of our humanity, part of how we create meaning in our lives. To me creativity is many things beyond just art and music. Cooking can be creative. Gardening can be creative. Knitting can be creative. Sewing can be creative. Anyone who has seen quaker furniture understands that making things with your hands can be creative. William Morris of the British arts and crafts movement combined art with utility. Engineering can be creative. The iPhone is an iconic example of creativity in engineering. Making or designing anything can be as creative as we want it to be. Anything where you take raw materials and turn them into something else can be creative. We all appreciate creativity when we see it.
When did you last attend a creative art or cultural event such as an exhibition, film, concert, festival? What was it?
I was at this year’s Multicultural Festival. Unfortunately, it was very wet. My most recent creative experience was visiting the Men’s Shed. Crafting with wood is very creative, and it is becoming a lost art.
How will you ensure our local community and creative sector thrive?
I think that the best initiatives come from the community. Community-led activities which are there because enough people in the community care about it to make it happen. As an example, my grandmother Undine Clarke was a leading light in ballet and dance in Tauranga for many years. But that happened because of the work and energy that she and many others put in over decades. Her pupils have gone on to also teach ballet and dance. And in turn their pupils have also gone on to teach the next generation. That is something that comes from the community. There are many other examples. Community groups just quietly getting on with what they are passionate about. Council should support those community initiatives which already have community support. It is very difficult and not very worthwhile for Council to try and create those initiatives from the top down.
Jos Nagels
What’s a creative thing you like to do in your spare time?
Reading, music, hobby crafts.
What’s your favourite creative thing to do with your whānau or friends?
Social family occasions, watch soccer, cricket and sports.
Why is it important for young people to have creativity in their lives?
Sports team activity, social awareness.
Why does creativity and indigenous culture matter to Aotearoa New Zealand?
Connects with communities.
What role do you see arts and culture playing in attracting tourism and boosting the local economy?
Showcases special skills and connections with Earth.
Do you think we have sufficient infrastructure in Tauranga to support the arts? If not, what would be your priority for investment?
Barely sufficient but easy public access to venues is very important.
If you are elected Mayor, how would you advocate for creativity in the community?
Attending and publicly acclaiming events and exhibitions/artists.
If you are elected Mayor, do you think council’s investment in creativity would go up, down or remain the same?
Probably increase in selected beneficial areas.
Doug Owens
What’s a creative thing you like to do in your spare time?
In my twenties I attended the Adelaide School of Art with a specific interest in photography and film. It was in Adelaide when I began to understand that life is about creation rather than production and my approach to media was influenced by Marshall McLuhan’s similarly named book, ‘The Medium Is the Message’. It opened my eyes to new possibilities and as we know media has exploded to become a source of limitless tools and creativity.
What’s your favourite creative thing to do with your whānau or friends?
Anything that draws a crowd I am open to. People and their lives are so interesting. Life is a balancing act and variety is key to health and happiness. My children keep me on my toes.
Why is it important for young people to have creativity in their lives?
Creativity is the gift of life itself and as parents, our role is to encourage as many options and possibilities we can for our kids as they grow, learn and thrive. Society generally has a very specific role in this, that being to provide structure and reference for all to use and succeed.
Why does creativity and indigenous culture matter to Aotearoa New Zealand?
Having the knowledge, language, and culture from a pure indigenous source here in New Zealand is truly a gift, and a taonga of great significance to the world. Our partnership with Māori shall not be diminished by political self-interest and ignorance resulting in hundreds of years of Polynesian culture being swept aside, as if it never existed. This is not creative; it is social destruction, and the arts is the appropriate place to record such moments in history when people in power lose their way. Something that has happened throughout history. Learn from the past and inform the future. There will always be more strength in diversity.
What role do you see arts and culture playing in attracting tourism and boosting the local economy?
During my long business career, I have had two art galleries being Real Pictures Photography and No. 5 City Road Gallery in Auckland. The arts and culture scene attracts visitors and all sorts from everywhere has been my experience. No.5 hosted the first ever contemporary art show – Te Ara Hou – in Auckland in 1986 and this genre has developed from strength to strength since that time. The arts continue to have a great future and it will always have my support as I am embedded in the arts.
Do you think we have sufficient infrastructure in Tauranga to support the arts? If not, what would be your priority for investment?
Art and culture will never stop as people will naturally create and produce work that the public, in my view, are eager to engage with. The ‘market’ for creation and works is growing every year and local councils are bound to support what has become an industry of sorts. The arts have a great and positive future ahead and we will continue to support the growth of these activities because that is what the people want.
If you are elected Mayor, how would you advocate for creativity in the community?
Quite simply, I am already an experienced advocate of the arts and film, and this will continue as it is part of who I am. Certainly, local festivals could be encouraged as will artists in residence, which is a programme that can easily be expanded. Note; I was a board member of BOP Film a while back and this group is still going strong – there is much potential there.
If you are elected Mayor, do you think council’s investment in creativity would go up, down or remain the same.
This is a question I will answer if elected, as I am not privy to the current setup, but I venture to predict that there will be growth – yes.
John Robson
What’s a creative thing you like to do in your spare time?
Write.
What’s your favourite creative thing to do with your whānau or friends?
Play games.
Why is it important for young people to have creativity in their lives?
It improves thinking, engagement, adaptability, productivity.
Why does creativity and indigenous culture matter to Aotearoa New Zealand?
The same reason it matters to every country, ethnicity, culture … it helps make happier, healthier, more engaged, more productive people.
What role do you see arts and culture playing in attracting tourism and boosting the local economy?
Tourism accounts for less than 5% of Tauranga’s GDP, and there are issues around its environmental sustainability. This, combined with the fact that over 80% of our tourism (by value) is domestic, means that I don’t think the nexus between arts & culture and tourism will play a significant role in boosting our local economy.
Do you think we have sufficient infrastructure in Tauranga to support the arts? If not, what would be your priority for investment?
Unfortunately, current plans mean we are over-investing in hard infrastructure to support arts and culture. Personally, I would rather see more invested at a community level.
If you are elected Mayor, how would you advocate for creativity in the community?
I wouldn’t ‘advocate for creativity’ any more than I would ‘advocate for manufacturing’ … but I would listen respectfully to the sector’s advocates.
If you are elected Mayor, do you think council’s investment in creativity would go up, down or remain the same.
As per the purpose of the Local Government Act, the allocation of investment would be determined primarily by the community. That said, my record shows support for Creative Bay of Plenty (and its predecessor Creative Tauranga), and initiatives like The Incubator.
Tina Salisbury
What’s a creative thing you like to do in your spare time?
I love to paint, mostly oil, but I have dabbled in watercolour and acrylics. I also love DIY restoration projects, sewing, creative photo albums, and I was a graphic designer but now really only design in a voluntary capacity to support nonprofits. I love to garden, preserve fruits and make jams from our small orchard.
What’s your favourite creative thing to do with your whānau or friends?
I don’t think I could pick one. I love the orchestra, film, visiting galleries, gardens, going to the ballet, exhibitions, concerts.
Why is it important for young people to have creativity in their lives?
Creativity sparks so much life and growth, it fosters skills like adapting, problem solving or even navigating changes and the unexpected. I believe creativity allows young people to express emotions in healthy ways and supports their mental wellbeing among many other benefits. Creativity helps our young people with their confidence, curiosity and advocacy – contributing to the vibrancy of our community.
Why does creativity and indigenous culture matter to Aotearoa New Zealand?
They both matter because it is an expression of one’s identity that can be shared with others. A way to glance into the world of another and experience life from their perspective. It is a powerful medium of creating meaning, empathy, understanding and unity. Creativity also helps preserve, promote and educate on indigenous history and culture by preserving stories, identity, narratives, art, connection to land / environment, and folklore. In Aotearoa New Zealand, creativity and indigenous culture are significant in honouring the past, shaping the present, and guiding the future, weaving a narrative of resilience, diversity, and unity.
What role do you see arts and culture playing in attracting tourism and boosting the local economy?
Arts and culture attract visitors, create jobs, foster support for related sectors such as hospitality, dining, and retail. They also enhance our cultural identity making Tauranga a more vibrant, attractive destination for locals, tourists, and a younger generation. I believe they add incredible value to the local economy, but more than that, they leave a lasting impression on all those who visit or interact with them. And that is the impression and reputation we want to build: a city that is vibrant in its heritage, arts, creativity and culture.
Do you think we have sufficient infrastructure in Tauranga to support the arts? If not, what would be your priority for investment?
As Mayor, I want to support and advocate for finding innovative ways to fund and promote arts, heritage, and creativity so that we have a culturally vibrant city. We do have some good existing infrastructure here, but they could use some TLC, I don’t think it is sufficient. There is currently significant investment happening into Tauranga Art Gallery and a planned museum in the CBD. But rather than presuming to know what the arts community needs as far as infrastructure; I would prefer to lead to pro-active conversation with the sector to determine where the gaps are and find opportunities to begin to fill them. I do believe that we could more effectively programme arts IN the infrastructure for the city, for example, constructing living bus shelters that have art featured, adopting biophilic designs that could also tell stories of our heritage, culture and arts, and ensuring that design phases for public construction projects have a focus on arts so that we build things that are artistic, beautiful and expressive at rather than merely functional.
If you are elected Mayor, how would you advocate for creativity in the community?
I answered some of this in the infrastructure question above, but I would also ensure that what Council procures or creates, considers an arts and creativity lens in our work, so we plan for and subsequently build things that are reflective of who we are, provide more opportunities for the creative community and capture our rich culture and vibrant history. I also will invite our arts and creative partners, allies and stakeholders to be part of my Mayor’s Forum (a think tank) to find innovative, sustainable, solutions for Tauranga’s challenges, to maximise our opportunities and enhance our future, and that will require all of us at the table.
If you are elected Mayor, do you think council’s investment in creativity would go up, down or remain the same.
This is an incredibly difficult question to answer without factual information on the current investment. My aim and ambition will always be to ensure there isn’t a decrease in investment, and that together we work towards increasing funding, financing and provision for the sector. For this to happen, I will need your help and support.
