Cultural Well-being: Linking local and central government to promote cultural well-being
This presentation describes the outcomes for local communities of New Zealand's Local Government Act 2002, under which councils in New Zealand have new responsibilities to promote the cultural well-being of their communities. Cultural well-being is one of the four, (social, economic, environmental and cultural) well-beings that New Zealand councils are challenged to integrate and balance in planning and practice. In this framework, cultural well-being can broadly encompass values, shared beliefs, customs, behaviours and identity; the vitality that communities and individuals enjoy through
• participation in recreation, creative and cultural activities
• the freedom to retain, interpret and express their arts, history, heritage and traditions.
Nanaia Mahuta is a Maori New Zealander of Waikato-Maniapoto and Ngaapuhi descent. She is Minister of Customs and Youth Affairs, and Associate Minister for Local Government and the Environment in New Zealand. Since being elected to Parliament Ms Mahuta has been a member of the Regulations Review, Electoral Law, Transport & Environment, Maaori Affairs, Education & Science, Local Government & Environment Select Committees. In 1999 she became Parliamentary Private Secretary for Education and Local Government. Nanaia works with Maaori and Iwi in her electorate to find creative solutions to age-old problems and long-term sustainable opportunities that involve Maaori, Local Government, Central Government, business and community sectors.