‘Culture is who we are’: Pacific artist fears losing vital support over Creative NZ restructure

Pacific arts advocates are worried that a major restructure at Creative New Zealand could weaken the specialist support many Pacific artists rely on to bring their stories, languages and cultures to life.

The national arts funding agency has confirmed it will reduce staff numbers from 84 roles to 55 following consultation and reconsultation with staff.

Tigilau Ness, musician and cultural activist and a former member of Creative New Zealand's Pacific Arts Committee, says arts are more than creative expressions.

In an interview with William Terite on Pacific Mornings, he says they are a living connection to identity, history and community.

"When it comes to art, us in the Pacific, it's a living thing for us," he says. "As a reflection of our society, it's well worth its weight in gold."

Ness says Creative New Zealand's support for Pacific artists has grown significantly over the years, helping create opportunities for Pacific voices to be heard across Aotearoa and beyond.

Listen to Tigilau Ness' full interview below.

"When I first started, the budget for the Pacific Arts Committee was like $80,000. Today, well recently, it reached into the millions.”

He says Pacific arts play an important role in shaping Aotearoa's identity and supporting communities.

"It's a voice of Pacific people, Māori and Pacific," Ness says. "So what the cuts are doing will be cutting that voice, silencing it in effect."

The World Dance Crew Championship in 2025 was supported by Creative NZ as part of the Pacific Arts Strategy 2023-2028. Photo/CNZ Facebook

Creative New Zealand says the changes are part of a new operating model aimed at delivering its long-term strategy, including its Pacific Arts Strategy, while responding to the changing needs of artists and communities.

Earlier this month, the agency announced more than $104 million in multi-year funding for 94 arts organisations, including $10.7 million for 11 Pacific arts organisations.

But Ness says the value of Pacific arts support is not only measured in funding.

He says the relationship and cultural knowledge held by specialist staff are just as important.

"Get your head out of the sand. Culture is who we are. Culture moves the people forward."

The Public Service Association (PSA) says specialist roles supporting Māori and Pacific arts, along with literature, music, theatre, dance and visual arts, are among those affected by the restructure.

Fleur Fitzsimons, PSA National Secretary, says the changes risk losing important knowledge and connections within the arts sector.

“These are not back-office jobs,” she says in a statement. “These are people with deep expertise and genuine relationships in the sector, who work alongside artists and arts organisations every day.

“Cutting them is a serious hollowing out of mana, trust and capability.”

Gretchen La Roche, Creative New Zealand Chief Executive, says the restructure is designed to ensure the organisation remains able to support artists and communities into the future.

"The arts and funding environment we're operating in is dynamic and continually evolving," she says in a statement.

"This review and change has been about ensuring we're organised and resourced to deliver on our strategic priorities, and effectively support artists, communities and the wider arts sector into the future."

The Mana Moana show in 2025, featuring the Signature Choir, partnered with Creative New Zealand. Photo/CNZ Facebook

Creative New Zealand says the new model will bring decision-making and resources closer to artists and communities while maintaining support during the transition.

The agency has not yet confirmed whether any Pacific arts-specific roles have been reduced or disestablished as part of the restructure.