15 Apr 2026
We’re inviting artists, ringatoi, arts organisations and communities to help shape the draft Te Ara Mana Tautika o ngā Toi – Equity in the Arts Policy.
At its heart, this policy sets out how Creative New Zealand will support equity (mana tautika) in the arts and give effect to our obligations under the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Act 2014 so all New Zealanders can access, take part in and benefit from the arts, culture, creativity and ngā toi Māori.
It replaces the Diversity in the Arts Policy (2015) and builds on work we are currently doing to respond to the needs of the sector and communities we serve.
Equity means fairness - recognising that people and communities start from different places, and experience different barriers shaped by history, context and systems. Achieving fair outcomes may therefore require different types and levels of support.
What we heard through the review of the 2015 policy is clear: inequities persist across the arts ecosystem. These include uneven access to funding and resources; limited opportunities to grow skills and leadership; gaps in arts infrastructure; and challenges with visibility, representation and influence within the arts and cultural sector, including in decision-making and the data and evidence used to inform it.
As our population in Aotearoa New Zealand becomes increasingly diverse, there is a need to respond to these challenges with greater consistency and intent.
Te Ara Mana Tautika o ngā Toi will guide how Creative New Zealand supports creative practice and participation across the motu, how we make decisions as an organisation, and how equity is considered consistently across all aspects of our work. It strengthens our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, supports the organisation to deliver on our statutory responsibilities and goals of Tū Mai Rā, Toi Aotearoa, our long-term strategy to 2040.
Achieving equity across the arts and ngā toi Māori requires ongoing learning, accountability and partnership. We’d love to hear your views.
Here’s how you can share your feedback:
- Visit our webpage for information www.creativenz.govt.nz/equityinthearts
- Complete the survey to share your feedback. It should take about 5–10 minutes to complete, depending on the level of feedback you’d like to provide.
- The closing date for all feedback is 11.59 pm on Sunday, 10 May 2026.
No individual or organisation will be identified in the analysis of responses. Any personal information you provide will be handled in line with our Privacy Statement.
If you have questions or would like to provide feedback in another way, please email policyandperformance@creativenz.govt.nz
Ngā mihi nui for taking the time to share your whakaaro. Your insights will help shape a fairer and more responsive arts ecosystem for Aotearoa New Zealand.