The Local Government elections has begun, and Creative Waikato has a plan to ensure the arts sector is at the front of candidate minds.

The non-profit organisation’s Election Connection Roadshow will hit 10 towns in 10 Waikato districts, from 12 September 12 to 4 October 2022.

Councillors, candidates and the local community are invited to come along and actively listen to a live, 15 minute presentation exploring the connection between local government and the creative community, and the vital role arts has to all sectors of society.

“There is real value in local government as a pathway for meaningful change in our local communities, as well as being an essential part of addressing local issues, services, needs and priorities.” says CEO Dr Jeremy Mayall.

“We wanted to take the opportunity to connect with both local communities and those people who are standing to represent us all in the role of local councillors, to discuss exciting visions for the role of arts, culture and creativity in the lives of all people in the Waikato Region."

The roadshow is also a chance to learn more about Creative Waikato’s vision for the region and what they’re working on to achieve this with game-changing initiatives such as Whiria Te Tāngata, and shared frameworks and strategies such as The Waikato Arts Navigator. 

“It is important for us all to share a strengths-based pathway for meaningful change that recognises the awesome mahi that is taking place in our communities, and looks to inspire the next iteration of our local government officials to see, understand, value and connect with the creative communities that they represent,” says Jeremy.

“We look forward to sharing creative korero with communities of the Waikato.”

Creative Waikato will present at the Waitomo Caves Museum on 29 September at 5.30pm.

After the presentation there will be space for mingling and korero, where advocates from the Creative Waikato team will be available to answer questions and discuss what was explored in the presentation, with both candidates and members of the community.

To fully understand where candidate views sit when it comes to the arts, each candidate will be sent the same three questions pertaining to the arts, and answers will be shared with media, and published across the Creative Waikato social channels and website.

The schedule:

Thames Coromandel - Thames - Monday 12 September

Hauraki District - Paeroa - Tuesday 13 September

Matamata-Piako District - Te Aroha - Monday 19 September

Waipā District - Te Awamutu - Tuesday 20 September

South Waikato District - Tokoroa - Wednesday 21 September

Waikato District - Huntly - Thursday 22 September

Ōtorohanga District - Ōtorohanga - Tuesday 27 September

Waitomo District - Waitomo - Thursday 29 September

Ruapehu District - Taumarunui - Monday 3 October

Kirikiriroa/Hamilton City - Hamilton Central - Tuesday 4 October