Council backs free arts event as debate grows over spending priorities

Auckland’s iconic Pink Path will turn into a giant dance floor this weekend as the city marks 10 years of Te Ara I Whiti with a free public event celebrating music, movement, and creativity.

The event called Dance Your Sillies Out is part of Auckland Council’s new Sounds of Tāmaki Makaurau programme, launched during New Zealand Music Month.

The initiative aims to support local musicians, showcase emerging artists, and bring more free cultural events to communities across the region.

It comes at a time when Auckland households are still feeling the pressure of rising rates and the ongoing cost of living, with debate continuing over how council money should be spent.

The activation will feature an electronic soundtrack created by SMALL RAVE in collaboration with Ponsonby Intermediate School. Movement has been produced and co-choreographed by Katharine Atafu-Mayo, with Amanda Wilson of The Sixxes co-choreographing. The performance will be brought to life by Prowl Productions.

The council estimates more than 100 people will take part in the launch event. The lights and music will stay available on Te Ara I Whiti until 30 May. The total cost of the event is $9610, funded through Auckland Council’s Community Wellbeing, Arts and Culture budget.

Dance, light and Pacific creativity will feature in Dance Your Sillies Out on Te Ara I Whiti. Photo/Auckland Council

Emily Trent, Auckland Council’s Head of Arts and Culture, said investment in events like this delivered wider benefits beyond entertainment.

“The impacts of Auckland Council's investment in the arts are broad and measurable, and they perform across a range of indicators, which are social, cultural, community and economic.

“These are all extremely important impacts to achieve from a regional perspective, and arts and culture is the vehicle to make that happen.”

Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath will host a free public dance event this weekend. Photo/Auckland Council

Trent said the council also worked with Creative New Zealand’s Creative Communities Scheme, which supported grassroots projects across Auckland.

“As an example, through our partnership with Creative New Zealand and the Creative Communities Scheme, we invest over a million dollars in local grassroots projects.”

Desley Simpson, Auckland’s Deputy Mayor, said free events were especially important for families under financial pressure.

“And in a tight financial economy, families and communities are often looking for things to do that actually don't affect their wallet.”

But not everyone agrees with how council money is being spent.

Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance spokesperson Josh Van Veen said arts activations should be questioned while households face higher costs.

Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath will become a dance floor this weekend for Auckland Council’s free Dance Your Sillies Out event. Photo/David St George

“Aucklanders expect their rates to fund core services like fixing roads, collecting rubbish, and maintaining critical infrastructure, not subsidising public art activations,” he said.

“At a time when households are facing the biggest rates hike in Super City history, the council should be focused on financial discipline and getting back to basics.

“Any spare cash available for events like this should be used to reduce the burden on struggling ratepayers.”

For some Aucklanders, however, free events are exactly what is needed right now.

Malaina, a Onehunga resident, said they can make a difference during times.

“It's always good to have something that will uplift everyone, especially if it's free.”

Cyclists cross Te Ara I Whiti - The Lightpath, one of Auckland’s most recognisable public spaces. Photo/Auckland Council

Oscar Kightley, a Henderson-Massey Local Board member, writer, actor and Pacific creative, said councils had a broader role than basic services.

“I do think local government, as part of its role as building communities and cities and neighbourhoods, it's not just about making sure the grass is mowed or that the rubbish is cleared,” he said.

“I know there are some people out there that would love that to be the only things that councils spend money on, but their role is way more than just maintaining community facilities.”

Kightley said free events were important for families who could not always afford paid activities.

“Families in our city, rich ones, poor ones, they deserve free events that they can take their kids to,” he said.

Jonjon Tolovae, Sāmoan Fa’afafine writer, artist and comedian, said removing cost barriers helped more people access the arts.

“There are so many barriers where it's like venues and costs of tickets and prices, car parks and all that stuff,” she said.

“So having a free event like Dance Your Sillies Out that is headed and led by Pacific artists in conjunction with council venues, I think it's a good opportunity to bring our people into the arts more.”

Tolovae said events like this could change how people experience public spaces.

“It's transforming something that is concrete and boring and imbuing it with arts and culture and all that flavour.

“I think that's what we need to do more to really build aspiration for young people and for our communities.”

Simpson said the council was also reviewing how it could make sure arts funding delivered value for money.

“I said quite publicly, I want Auckland to be one of the best arts and culture cities in the Southern Hemisphere, without a doubt.

“And we're working on a strategy at the moment to look at our investment in arts and culture and see how we can deliver the best value for money for Aucklanders in that space.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.