Ward Mike: New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Bill — Second Reading Instruction to Committee In Committee Third Reading 
Ward Mike: New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Bill — Second Reading Instruction to Committee In Committee Third Reading 
[Volume:616;Page:12319] 
MIKE WARD (Green) 
: 
 I share Dail Jones’ disappointment. I wonder how the Minister thinks the players will feel about her rejection. Who else has a greater interest in the success of the orchestra? It is their professional status that is on the line. Let the Government reflect well on that status. Players are going to make good decisions—the kinds of decisions that ensure that the orchestra is regarded well in the community. They have every interest in working cooperatively with the board to make sure that the decisions made are in the best interests of that board. 
Who has a greater investment in the orchestra? I do not know how many members know of any young musicians but I imagine that most of them have experience of young people growing up with a passion for music. It is all-absorbing and takes up a vast amount of their lives. Those who end up in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra are the cream of these. I have taught such young people and they are not just musicians; they are extremely intelligent able capable individuals who play a full part in the life of their schools. 
Including players as members of the board is essential to the proper functioning of the board. Not only that it would bring a flair and an excitement to the board that would not otherwise be there. I have served on an arts council and I have chaired a community arts council with other artists. These people bring a passion and commitment to their work and knowledge that others cannot bring. They also bring a creative flair to that work. It is not just about making businesslike decisions—that is extremely important and there will be board members who will ensure that happens—it is also about bringing a creative skill to the work and that makes their presence highly desirable. 
My amendment to clause 12 is: “To omit subclause (2) and substitute the following subclause: (2) The board must consist of not fewer than 5 members and not more than 8 members (including the chairperson) appointed by the Minister. One of these members must be a permanent player of the orchestra appointed by the Minister after consultation with orchestra players.” 
As I said before the inclusion of the chief executive on the board would be unusual. The chief executive has a very large say in the running of the orchestra. That person is the one employee of the board and will have a great deal of influence in advising the board and providing information to it for many of the decisions it makes. That influence is very keenly felt at all times. The influence of the board members is less likely to be felt. 
We will continue to support the bill. It is a good bill that supports a very grand and important cultural institution in this country. But it is really important that a player representative is included on the board. We will be disappointed—and I am sure the players will be bitterly disappointed—if they are once again rejected. I would like to think however that since the Minister can appoint she will take into account the submissions of New Zealand First ACT United Future and the Progressives in support of this amendment. 
Sitting suspended from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.