Funding not assured for Auckland arts

The New Zealand Government cannot assure the creative community of Auckland that ongoing funding would continue for iconic arts bodies such as the Auckland Festival according to Labour spokesperson for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Steve Chadwick.
In a statement, Chadwick explained "continued funding for the Auckland Philharmonic, the Auckland Theatre Trust and the NBR Opera, is uncertain debate in the House has shown.
âWhile the Government is getting excited about Party Central for the Rugby World Cup, the arts community is left dangling, unsure of funding beyond 2010."