2. Question No. 2—Arts Culture and HeritageHELEN WHITE (Labour) to the Minister for Arts Culture and HeritageQuestion No. 2—Arts Culture and Heritage2. HELEN WHITE (Labour) to the Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage: What announcements has she made about supporting Auckland's St James Theatre?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage): After being closed for the last 15 years on Saturday I announced that the Government would be helping to unlock the doors of Tāmaki-makau-rau Auckland's St James Theatre. The Government is making $15 million available to support the restoration of the theatre in recognition of its outstanding historical and cultural significance. This contribution matches and sits alongside Auckland Council's $15 million. Successive Governments have signalled their support for the project but I am pleased that we are finally able to get this contribution across the line to help to save this important piece of cultural and national heritage.Helen White: What does this support mean for the St James Theatre?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: This support will help unlock the theatre owner's ability to upgrade the building structurally and seismically. More specifically this funding will enable the theatre to get started on critical foundational and strengthening work including restoring the floorboards and beginning work to restore the theatre's art deco wonder. Restoration of the theatre is an ongoing labour of love for many and this support will see the St James restored and revitalised as part of Tāmaki-makau-rau Auckland's illustrious arts precinct and city centre.Helen White: What feedback has she seen on the announcement?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Heart of the City boss Viv Beck said Queen Street needed the energy and people that a repaired St James should bring—quote This will really strengthen this part of the central city. It's been a bit of a sad site for some time as it's lay vacant. And I think revitalising this area repairing the St James will bring in more people and make it safer as well."Helen White: What is the next stage in the process?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Alongside St James Theatre owner Steve Bielby's efforts to get spades in the ground Manatū Taonga have begun engagement with mana whenua Auckland Notable Properties Trust Auckland Council and Heritage New Zealand to determine the funding conditions for central government's contribution. We're committed to ensuring all key stakeholders have an adequate opportunity to input into the discussion. Getting a clearer picture of stakeholder values and aspirations for the future of the theatre will help to inform the development of funding conditions for a central government contribution. I'm advised that construction will begin in early 2024. Helen White: How does this align with the Government's priorities in Auckland?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Tāmaki-makau-rau Auckland has been through a lot in recent times—that's why this announcement and support is vital. We want to see the city centre revitalised. We want the Auckland CBD to be safe and accessible. We want the arts precinct that sits in the heart of the city to be exciting and vibrant and we want our businesses to be connected supported and successful. The announcement underlines our Government's commitment to keeping the heartbeat of the city centre alive and thriving.Chlöe Swarbrick: How important is this investment in the restoration of the St James Theatre for the revitalisation of Auckland Central and should this be considered as a sign of more good things to come?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: I'd like to thank that member for that question and also acknowledge that member and all other Auckland members of Parliament on this side of the House who understand the economic benefits to the restoration of the St James Theatre. It is about economic benefits and the flow-on impact to the businesses in the CBD. It is about the cultural and wellbeing benefits for Aucklanders and visitors to Auckland. It is about support for our art workforce in Auckland and across Aotearoa. Also according to Viv Beck from Heart of the City it is about public safety in the CBD. It's exciting and I am grateful to all of those who have been involved in making this happen."