Ardern Jacinda: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeArdern Jacinda: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 22 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14056. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]8.JACINDA ARDERN (Labour) to theMinister for Economic Development: Does he agree with the statement he made on behalf of the Minister of Finance that “New Zealand has a vibrant screen industry which directly supports more than 2700 businesses”?Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister for Economic Development): In the context ofThe Hobbit movies which was the topic of the question in the House to which that statement relates yes which is why on this side of the House we worked so hard to keepThe Hobbit movies in New Zealand while members opposite tried to scuttle the deal and drive the film offshore.Jacinda Ardern: Is he aware that the screen industry is experiencing a massive downturn especially in Auckland where up to 70 percent of production is based as a direct result of issues like a high Kiwi dollar essentially cancelling out the incentive regime and decimating the industry; if not why not?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: Yes I am aware of concerns in the Auckland industry and have been working with the industry on that. Some companies are finding it difficult because of the size of the dollar at the moment. Those who own their intellectual property are doing fairly well but those who are effectively like toll producers if you like are struggling. It is important to point out that we have spent something like $411 million on incentives for the film industry since 2008-09—$411 million. So we are just working through those issues with the industry.Jacinda Ardern: Why are venues like Studio Auckland which was 100 percent full until a few years ago now the quietest it has ever been and why is Studio West which was fully tenanted for much of the past 12 years now getting one booking query a month with the owner stating that this is the worst he has seen the local industry in 20 years?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: As I say I acknowledge that some companies are finding it a little bit difficult. I understand though in relation to one of the venues the member raises that one of the particular issues is that it is associated with a railway line nearby and of course Auckland Transport has increased the frequency of trains hugely so it is not as popular as it once was. But I have to say it is a little ironic to be questioned by that party on the health of the screen industry when it was that party that wanted—Mr SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] Order! That answer was sufficient.Jacinda Ardern: If he is aware that skilled workers one of the draw cards his Government uses to promote New Zealand as a film destination are leaving the industry and the country with companies like Film Effects experiencing the biggest downturn in 10 years and that many on the payroll with a UK passport have already gone what is he doing about this loss of skills—or is that the trains’ fault as well?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: The reality is that New Zealand’s value proposition to attract screen businesses is not just about the size of its incentive and that is one of the challenges. We have to be able to offer more than that and we do. We offer a great place to do business a skilled and capable workforce flexible employment law proven expertise in post-production natural scenery and competitive labour costs. But that does not mean that you win every production and this industry is one that does go through ebbs and flows depending on large productions that are sometimes available and sometimes not.Jacinda Ardern: Does he agree with the statement of the Hon Chris Finlayson that this is the golden age for the arts in New Zealand; if so why does it seem like the film industry is going into an ice age as the majority of screen production dies under the weight of an apathetic Government that is doing absolutely nothing?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: I think the member might be auditioning for a role in some sort of production—Mr SPEAKER: Order! Answer the question.Hon STEVEN JOYCE: —with that form of amazing hyperbole. The reality is that New Zealand is going through a very strong period with the arts. The Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage is doing a fantastic job in investing in infrastructure and maintaining the Government assets in the arts and culture space despite the toughest financial times since the Great Depression. He is doing a tremendous job in that regard and I think the member would do well to acknowledge it.