8. Question No. 8—Arts Culture and HeritageANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Associate Minister for Arts Culture and HeritageQuestion No. 8—Arts Culture and Heritage8. ANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Associate Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage: What is the New Zealand Film Commission doing to support diversity in film making and content?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Associate Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage): Last year the New Zealand Film Commission launched its first Rautaki Māori strategy appointed its first Pou Whakahaere and launched the 125 Fund which supports opportunities for women filmmakers. Since then the New Zealand Film Commission have created a fund for films in Te Reo Māori and have established two joint funds one to support Asian and Pacific Island New Zealanders to develop a one-off drama and one to support creative collaboration between indigenous people of the Pacific region impacted by the arrival of Captain Cook. They also continue to actively support the annual Māori Screen Excellence Awards. It's exciting to see the work of the New Zealand Film Commission truly reflecting the diversity that exists across New Zealand and the region.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: What evidence has the Minister seen to showcase the work the New Zealand Film Commission is doing to support diversity in the film industry?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: We have seen international recognition of Pacific films with the Berlin International Film Festival's NATIVe section focused on the Pacific. The New Zealand Film Commission supported the making of Pacific films Vai Liliu Toa'ipuapugā Strength in Suffering and For My Father's Kingdom. Last night it was a privilege to speak at the New Zealand premiere of For My Father's Kingdom the first Pacific feature documentary funded by the New Zealand Film Commission co-directed by Tongan Vea Mafile'o and Samoan Jeremiah Tauamiti and produced by another proud Tongan Sandra Kailahi. The premiere held at the Civic in Auckland was attended by over 1800 people. Efforts like this show the New Zealand Film Commission's contribution to supporting more diverse filmmakers and showcasing New Zealand and the Pacific region on the international stage.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: Why is this important?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: One of the Government's priorities through Budget 2019 was lifting Māori and Pacific incomes skills and opportunities in every sector including the film industry—and every sector including the film industry has a part to play in this. We have also made a commitment to value who we are as a country and the work of our film commission is doing exactly that by providing opportunities for New Zealand's diverse talent pool and showcasing their stories to New Zealand and the world. It's exciting to see New Zealanders engaging with Pacific arts. The most recent national arts engagement survey showed that a record number of nearly one in five—18 percent—everyday New Zealanders attended at least one Pacific arts event in the previous 12 months. Our competitive edge on the international stage is strengthened by our uniqueness and Māori and Pacific artists have a great contribution to make in this space.