HOW IMPORTANT IS CULTURE?

[Pages:13]Page 15

HOW IMPORTANT IS CULTURE?

NEW ZEALANDERS' VIEWS IN 2008 -- AN OVERVIEW

Page 1

Minister's Foreword

In my travels around New Zealand in the past two years, I have witnessed the commitment of New Zealanders to arts, culture and heritage activities. I am pleased to see my impressions confirmed by the findings in this updated survey report. Rt Hon Douglas Graham initiated the first of these surveys in 1994 to obtain data about New Zealanders' perceptions about their culture. It was followed by a second survey in 1997. The 2008 update includes new questions on attitudes towards the role of cultural activities in the community and on the importance of culture in perceptions of New Zealand's identity. The surveys have picked up some notable shifts and developing trends over time: for example, more New Zealanders now consider Mori culture and activities to be an important part of New Zealand's identity; and more believe cultural activities enable people to express themselves and be creative. The findings in this survey will help us ensure funding for arts, culture and heritage is used in ways that best meet New Zealanders' expectations. I am sure the findings will also be of interest to the arts and heritage sectors and I hope the media will particularly note the perennial wish that cultural activities receive greater coverage than at present. I am very much encouraged by this evidence of New Zealanders' enthusiasm for culture and cultural activities. I trust you will find the results of this survey as interesting as I have.

Hon Chris Finlayson Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage February 2009

Page 2 The Importance of Culture in New Zealand

Introduction

Page 3

Methodology

In 1994 and 1997, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs commissioned research into the attitudes of New Zealanders to gain an understanding of the relevance of culture and cultural activities.

In 2008 the Ministry for Culture and Heritage commissioned Synovate Ltd to undertake further research to establish how attitudes may have shifted in the intervening period.

The key objective of this research is to provide up-to-date information on the New Zealand public's perceptions of the importance of culture and cultural activities.

With this objective in mind, key measures from the two previous surveys conducted in 1994 and 1997 have been repeated in this survey. The methodology, sample sizes and sample structure have been retained to allow for direct comparability with previous surveys where possible.

In 2008 new questions were added relating to the perceived importance of the role of culture and cultural activities as factors in national identity. Additional questions about attitudes to culture and cultural activities in local communities were also included. Some of the graphs which follow simply present information from the new questions for 2008, while others, where possible, also show data from the 1994 and 1997 surveys.

Telephone interviews were conducted with 1,000 New Zealand residents aged 18 and over. These were conducted in 2008.

Quota management of the sample was undertaken to ensure the survey sample was representative of New Zealand residents. Gender, age, geographic and Mori ethnic quotas have been applied.

The survey was conducted as a stand-alone questionnaire with interviewers probing the open-ended questions to obtain quality detailed responses. The average interview duration was 18 minutes.

The margin of error for this sample size is +/-3.1% at a 95% confidence interval assuming a score of 50% on any one attribute. This means that there can be 95% confidence that the survey measure is within 3.1% of the measure that would have been gained had the entire population of New Zealand residents over 18 years of age been surveyed.

To allow respondents to respond to a clearly defined issue, a definition of culture and cultural activities was provided at the beginning of the questionnaire:

One way of thinking about it is that culture and cultural activities are about our way of life and are a combination of;

-- Our past and present languages, traditions and beliefs, as reflected in museums, historic places and libraries, on marae, television, radio, the internet, and in films.

-- Activities such as dance, classical and modern music, the visual arts, theatre, reading books and magazines, and other forms of crafts and hobbies.

-- And finally when we talk about national identity we are referring to who we are as a country.

Page 4 The Importance of Culture in New Zealand

Overview

Page 5

Key Findings

Culture and cultural activities are an important and valued part of life. New Zealanders are proud of their culture and want to share the best of it with the rest of the world. They generally accept that culture delivers real benefits, brings communities closer together and improves quality of life.

-- Most New Zealanders have a strong sense of national identity with culture, landscape and diversity defining New Zealand for the majority, with sport also making a recognized contribution.

-- New Zealanders have a stronger sense of who they are as a nation, than as local communities.

-- New Zealanders appreciate the contributions of Mori culture to national identity and also the contributions of other cultures.

-- New Zealanders also see plenty of opportunities to access culture and cultural activities.

-- Youth are less interested in culture generally.

-- New Zealanders see government and local councils as key supporters of culture in New Zealand for funding and support.

-- There is more coverage of culture in the media than before but New Zealanders would prefer even more.

Attitudes towards culture and cultural activities While most measures being tracked have remained steady, in 2008 there are now more people who strongly agree that:

Mori culture and activities are an important part of NZ's national identity (up from 45% in 1997 to 62% in 2008);

Cultural activities enable people to express themselves and be creative (up from 53% to 68%);

Culture and cultural activities have a high profile in NZ (up from 23% to 38%);

Cultural activities should receive some funding from Government (up from 37% to 49%);

Information about culture and cultural activities is readily available (up from 23% to 33%).

Page 6 The Importance of Culture in New Zealand

Key Findings

Attitudes towards culture and cultural activities

New questions added in the 2008 survey indicate that overall there is more agreement that culture plays an important role at a national level, than at a local community level. Most notably:

-- The protection of New Zealand's historic buildings and places, is seen as more important at a national level with 82% strongly agreeing and 48% strongly agreeing at a community level;

-- Mori culture and activities are regarded as more important to NZ's national identity, with 62% strongly agreeing, than to community identity, with 27% strongly agreeing;

-- Culture is seen to give people a stronger sense of national identity (53% strongly agreeing) than community identity (46% strongly agreeing);

-- And overall, New Zealand is seen to have a stronger sense of national identity (52% strongly agreeing) than community identity (35% strongly agreeing).

Cultural activities help to enrich the quality of peoples lives

Cultural activities help to bring people together in local communities

2008 4% 4%

31%

1997 2% 5%

40%

1994 1% 3%1%

26%

2008 1% 3% 17% 1997 1% 3% 24.% 1994 2% 3%1% 22%

61%

53%

68%

1

Page 7

79%

72%

71%

1

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

1

% of respondents

Benefits of culture Most scores are similar to those recorded in 1997; one exception being that in 2008 there is more agreement that culture enables people to express themselves and be creative.

Q: Please tell us how strongly you agree or disagree with each statement.

Cultural activities help to bring people together in local communities

2008 3% 6% 2% 1997 3% 6%1% 1994 4% 6% 1%

Cultural activities enable

2008 1%3% 1%

people to express themselves 1997 2% 5%

and be creative.

1994 4% 4%

32% 34% 30%

26% 40% 31%

Cultural activities help to enrich the quality of peoples lives

The success of our painters, singers, writers, film makers, actors etc gives New Zealanders a sense of pride.

2008 2% 5%1% 1997 3% 5% 1% 1994 4% 6%

2008 2% 3%1% 22% 1997 1%3% 24% 1994 1%3% 17%

0%

20%

30% 35% 29%

40%

60%

% of respondents

57% 56% 59%

68% 53% 61%

61% 56% 61%

71% 72% 79%

80%

1% 1% 1% 100%

Strongly disagree Slightly disagree Neither Slightly agree Strongly agree Don't know

The success of our painters, singers, writers, film makers, actors etc gives NZers a sense of pride.

1994 1997 2008

4% 6% 1% 3% 6% 1% 3% 6% 2%

Cultural activities enable

4% 6% 3% 5%1%

30% 34% 32%

29% 35%

59%

56%

57%

1%

61% 56%

Page 8

1994 11% 0%

24% 20%

1%

40%

40%

60%

% of respondents

24% 80%

100%

Profile and access

Some 44% strongly agree that there is plenty of opportunity to participate in and enjoy culture, with a quarter strongly agreeing that culture and cultural activities have a high profile in their local communities.

In 2008, there is less strong agreement that children should have lots of involvement with culture at school although overall agreement remains high.

There is stronger agreement in 2008 that culture has a high profile in New Zealand and that information about culStturroenagnlyddciusaltgurreael actiSvliitgiehstliys rdeisaadgilryeeavailaNbleei.ther Slightly agree Strongly agree Don't know

Q: Please tell us how strongly you agree or disagree with each statement.

There are plenty of opportunities to participate in and enjoy culture and cultural activities.

Strongly disagree

4% 12% 1%

37%

Slightly disagree Neither Slightly agree

44% Strongly agree Don't know

MEAN SCORE OUT OF 5 Culture and

cultural activities

ClwahiconocahittmtvmisSihlevdtmoyircratfoeuuileoninhnlnstcgiiuvsgatlahoyyrlhte.lodvspuaeicrslnmhodadofgehionlrcaeelut.veletu0ra%lSl211ig090h09%t87ly

3% 6% 1%23%

2% 29%

1% 3% 20%22% disagree Neither

40% Slightly

36% agree %

61%

60% 74% Sotfrorensgploynadgernetes

25%

80% Don't know

MEAN SCORE OUT OF 5

2%

4% 100%

Culture and cultural activities have a high pCrhoifldilreeninsNhZo.uld have lots of involvement

2008 3% 12% 3% 12909078 36%%6% 1% 27%29%

with culture and cultural activities at school.

11999947

1%9%3%

22% 26%

42% 1%

2%

38%

2%

43%

61%

23%

37% 74%

26%

CInufloturmreaatinodn caublotuurtal accutlitvuitrieesanhdavceulatuhriaglh parcotfivilietieins NisZr.eadily available.

Information about culture and cultural activities is readily available.

22000088 43%% 121%5% 3%3%

11999977 67%%

2257%%

11999944 91%1%

2264%%

0% 2008 4%

20% 15% 3%

1997 7%

25%

1994 11%

24%

0%

20%

42%43% 11%%

12%%

4443%% 3470%%

40%

60%

43% % of respondents

1%

44%

1%

40%

40%

60%

% of respondents

383%3% 2233%%

2264%% 80%

33% 23% 24%

80%

32%%

100% 3%

100%

Strongly disagree Slightly disagree Neither Slightly agree Strongly agree Don't know

There are plenty

Page 9

NaSttiroonnglayldiasangrdeecomSmliguhtnlyitdiysaigdreeentitNyeither Slightly agree Strongly agree Don't know

Around half of all respondents strongly agree that culture gives people a sense of national identity. Some 52% strongly agree that NZ has a strong sense of national identity, but only 35% strongly agree that their local community has a strong sense of identity.

While slightly more people strongly agree that culture and cultural activities contribute to a sense of national

NidZeSnhttariostynag(5slyt3r%doins)gatghraene comSmliugnhittly iddiesnagtirteye(46%N),eoitvheerrall agrSeleigmhetnlyt athgraeteculturSetrcoonngtlryibaugtreeseto natDioona'tl kanodw

sceonmsemoufnNitaytiidoennatlity is almo4s%t the9%same2.%

33%

52%

IQd:enPtliteya.*s**e tell us how strongly you agree or disagree with each statement.

Culture and

cultural activities

give people

2% 9% 2%

40%

46%

NaZshenasseaosftrloocnagl sceonmsemoufnnitaytiiodneanltity.* idMeyntloitcya.l community Chualstuarsetaronndg sense coufltidueranltiatcyt.*ivities give people a sense of local community identity.

4% 9% 2%

8%

19%

02%% 9% 2% 20%

33%

2%

32%

40% 40%

60%

% of respondents

52% 35%

46%80%

My local community hofasSidtareonsnttrigtolyyn.gdisseangsreee

8%

19% 2%

Slightly disagree Neither

32% Slightly agree

Strongly agree

35% Don't know

0%

20%

Strongly disagree Slightly disagree Neither

40% Slightly agree

60% Strongly agree

% of respondents

80% Don't know

1%

4% 11%00% 4% 100%

NNZZh'sacsualtsutrreong

saenndsecuofltuNraatlional

4% 9% 2%

IdacetnSitvtirtoyine.*sg**lgyivdeisagree2008 Sli3g%htl7y%disa2g%ree

people a sense

Couf lntuarteioannadl identity.

cultural activities

give people

2% 9% 2%

a sense of local 1997 4% 9% community identity.*

33% Neith3e4r% Slightly agree

40% 36%

52% Strongly agree53% Don't know

46% 51%

My local community2008

3% 7% 8%

2% 19%

has a strong sense

of identity.* NZ's culture

and cultural

activities give

1994 4% 6% 1%

0%

20%

1997 4% 9%

people a sense

0%

20%

of national identity.

34% 2% 35%

36%

32%

40%

60%

% of respondents

40%

60%

% of respondents

53% 35%

54% 80%

51% 80%

1994 4% 6% 1% Strongly disagree Slightly disagree

35% Neither Slightly agree

54% Strongly agree Don't know

0%

20%

NZ's culture

and cultural

activities give

2008 3% 7% 2%

34%

people a sense

of national identity.

40%

60%

% of respondents

80% 53%

1% 1%

1% 4%

100% 100%

100% 1%

Page 10

Identity: Mori and other cultures Strongly disagree Slightly disagree Neither Slightly agree Strongly agree Don't know

In 2008, 62% strongly agree that Mori culture and activities are an important part of New Zealand's identity. This is an increase of 17% from the 45% who strongly agreed in 1997. However only 27% strongly agree that Mori culture and activities are an important part of their local community's identity.

56% strongly agree that different nationalities and ethnic groups enrich national culture, and 50% strongly agree thSattrodnifgfelyrednistangarteieonalitSielisghantldy detishangircegeroupsNeenitrhiechr theirSlloigchatllcyoamgrmeeunity cSutlrtounrgel.y agree Don't know

QDi:ffPelrenatsneatieolnlaulitsiehsow strongly you agree or disagree with each statement.

and ethnic groups enrich

3% 8% 2%

35%

50%

2%

our local community culture.

Different nationalities

aoMnudr?aoleortcihacnluiclctougmrreomuaupnnsditeyncriuclhture. 3% 8% 2%

35%

50%

cultural activities are an

12%

important part of my local

25%

2%

32%

27%

community's identity.

M?aori culture and cultural activities are an important part of my local community's identity.

0% 12%

20% 25%

40%

60%

% of respondents

2%

32%

80% 27%

Strongly disagree Sligh0tl%y disagree N2e0it%her

Slight4ly0a%gree Stron6g0l%y agree % of respondents

Do8n0't%know

Strongly disagree Slightly disagree Neither Slightly agree Strongly agree Don't know

2% 2% 100% 2% 100%

2008 3% 5% 2% 28% 1M4?a. oDriifcfeurletunrtenaantidoncuallittuierasl aancStdtivreoittnhiegnsliycardgeirsoaaungprisemeepnorritcahSnlitghtly139d%i9s7ag8r%e6e%2% 1N0e%ithe1r% 35S%lightly3a8g%ree opuarrtloocfaNl Zco'smnmatuionnitayl cidueltnutriety.*.

62% Strongly agree 50%Do4n5't%know

1994 7% 7% 2008 3% 5% 2%

30% 28%

M?aori culture and cultural

ap2cDcau4itrfli.ttfvMueiotrrfiaaeeonNlsrtaZiac'nrsctaeuinvtlaiiattonutineiroieasmnlaaiaptrniloeedirsdataennnttity. iamnpdoertthannitcpgarrotuopfsmeynrliocchal

1997 6% 10% 1%

1290904812%47%%

6% 1% 7%

25%

38%

32% 30%

2%

32%

cooumr mnautnioitnya'sl cidueltnutritey.. *

1997 3% 8% 1%

34%

0%

20%

40%

60%

Different nationalities and ethnic groups enrich our national culture.

1994 5% 10% 1%

33% % of respondents

2008 4% 6% 1%

32%

0%

20%

1997 3% 8% 1%

34%

40%

60%

% of respondents

56% 62%

45%

56% 56%

27%

54% 80%

51% 56%

80% 54%

1994 5% 10% 1%

33%

51%

Strongly disagree Slightly disagree Neither Slightly agree Strongly agree

0%

20%

40%

60%

Don't know 80%

2008

5. Maori culture and cultural activities are an important 1997 part of NZ's National Identity.

1994

3% 5% 2% 28%

% of respondents

6% 10% 1%

38%

7% 7%

30%

62% 45%

56%

2%

2%1% 100%

1% 100%

100%

Strongly disagree Slightly disagree Neither

Slightly agree

Strongly agree

Don't know Page 11

Funding and support

44% strongly agree that supporting and encouraging culture is an important role of local councils. Slightly more than

half (52%) strongly agree that supporting and encouraging culture is an important role of government. Strongly disagree Slightly disagree Neither Slightly agree Strongly agree Don't know

Almost half (49%) strongly agree that cultural activities should receive some funding from government, with 85%

Saugprpeeoirntigngtoasnodme degree that such activities should be supported by government.

eOnncloyu3ra5g%insgtrcounltgulryeagree t6h%at the9r%e sho1u%ld be more spo3n8s%orship of culture and cultural activi4ti4e%s by private

2%

acnodmcpualntuieras,l wacitthivi7t0ie%s agreeing to some degree. is an important role

oQf:loPclael acosuentceillsl. us how strongly you agree or disagree with each statement.

Supporting and

0%

encouraging culture

6%

and cultural activities

is an important role

of local councils.

20% 9% 1%

40% 38%

60% % of respondents

80% 44%

100% 2%

Strongly disagree 0S%lightly disagree 20%Neither Strongly disagree Slightly disagree Neither

Slig4h0t%ly agree Str6o0n%gly agree

% of respondents Slightly agree Strongly agree

D8o0n%'t know Don't know

100%

Supporting and encouraging culture

2008 5% 8% 1%

32%

52%

and cultural activities is an important role 1o9f.gSouvpepronrmtienngta. nd encSoturroangginlygdciusaltgurreee and cultural activities

1997 6% 11% 1%

38%

Slightly disagree Neither Slightly agree

6% 20098% 51%% 8%

38%36%

44%

Strongly agree Don't know 449%

iCsualntuirmapl oarcttainvittrieosle osSfhuolopucpladolrrcteioncugenicvaienlsds.*ome feunncdoiunrgagfrionmg cguolvtuerrnement. and cultural activities

is an important role

1997 12909048 1997

10% 11%

42%

5%13%8% 18%% 2% 32% 35%

6% 11% 1%

38%

37% 52% 42%

44%

of government. There should be

more

0%

sponsorship of cultural

2008 8%20% 17% 12909078 57%% 8% 19%

2%40% 1%36%

35% 60% %3o9f%respondents

803%5% 49% 34%

aCcutilvtuitriaels abcytipvritivieaste csohmoupladnireesc.eive some

11999947 1100%% 1113%% 2%

4326%%

funding from government.

1994 13% 0%

8% 2% 20%

35% 40%

60%

393%7%

42% 80%

There should be more

2008 8% 17%

sponsorship of cultural

1997 7%

19%

acStitvroitniegslybdyispargirveaete Slightly disagree Neither

companies.

1994 10% 13%

% of respondents

2%

35%

1%

39%

Slightly agree Strongly agree

2%

36%

35%

34% Don't know

39%

13. Supporting and encouraging culture and cultural activities is an important role of Government.

0%

20%

2008 5% 8% 1%

1997 6% 11% 1%

40%

60%

32%

% of respondents

38%

2008 5% 8%

36%

15. Cultural activities

1997

should receive some funding from Government. 1994

10% 11% 13% 8% 2%

42% 35%

80% 52%

44%

49% 37%

42%

1%

12%% 1% 130%0% 1%

100% 3%

100% 1%

1%

Page 12

InSttreornnglay tdiisoagnreael acScliegshtslyadnisadgrpeeromNoetitihoenr Slightly agree Strongly agree

Close to two-thirds of all respondents strongly agree that New Zealanders should experience the best of international

arts and culture. 59% of all respondents strongly agree that New Zealand should be promoted overseas for its culture.

4. NZers should be 2008 1% 4%1% 28%

65%

atQhbe:lSePbttrelooesnteagxoslpfyeedrtiieesanllgceruese

how strongly you Slightly disagree

agree or Neither

disagree with each Slightly agree

statement. Strongly agree

international arts 1997 1% 4%

32%

63%

aNnedwcuZeltaulraendinerNsZ.

should be able

2008 1% 4%1% 28%

65%

to experience

8th. Ne Zbesshtooufld be pinrotemrontaetdioonvael rasretass

21090987 31%%74%%

1%

faonrditcsuclutultruerienaNnZd.

32%29%

6539%%

cultural activities. 1997 4% 8% 1%

36%

51%

NZ should be promoted overseas for its culture and cultural activities.

20080%3% 7% 1997 4% 8%

1% 20% 29%

1%

36%

40%

60%

% of respondents

59% 80% 51%

100%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

% of respondents

Strongly disagree Slightly disagree Neither Slightly agree Strongly agree Don't know

Strongly disagree Slightly disagree Neither Slightly agree Strongly agree Don't know

16. Historic buildings and places are an important 6% part of my local community's identity.*

14% 2%

Historic buildings and 0% places are an important 6% part of my local

community's identity.

20% 14% 2%

0%

20%

29%

40%

60%

29% % of respondents

40%

60%

% of respondents

48%

80% 48%

80%

1%

100% 1%

100%

New Zealanders should be able to experience the best of international arts and culture in NZ.

2008 1% 4%1% 1997 1% 4%

28% 32%

65% 63%

Page 13

Historic buildings and places

82% of people strongly agree, and another 13% slightly agree, that New Zealand's historic buildings and places NshZosuhlodublde bperotected,2a0n08ov3e%ral7l %resul1t%that is th2e9s%ame as in 1997. There has been a slig5h9t%increase in those who pfsortroromitnsogtcleyudlatoguvrreeereasewnadisth protection of these places in 2008. At the local community level, 48% strongly agree that cNueltwurZaelaalcatnivdi'tsiehsi.stor1i9c9b7uil4d%ing8s%and p1l%aces make an3i6m%portant contribution to their local c5o1m%munity's identity.

Q: Please tell us how strongly you agree or disagree with each statement.

Strongly disagree S0l%ightly disagree 20%Neither

Sli4g0h%tly agree

St6r0o%ngly agree

80%

100%

% of respondents

2008 1% 2% 1% 13%

Strongly disagree Slightly disagree

NZ's historic buildings

and places should be

1997 1% 3%

protected.

Neither 22%

4. NZers should be 2008 1%1949%41%1% 3%28% 20%

athbelSebttreoosntegxolpfyedriiesangcreee Slightly disagree Neither

international arts 1997 1% 4% 0%

32% 20%

and culture in NZ.

Slightly agree

82% Strongly agree

74%

Slightly agree 40%

7665%% Strongly agree

60%63%

% of respondents

Don't know 80%

100%

8. NSZtroshnogulylddibseagree promoted overseas

2008Sli3g%htl7y%disa1g%ree

Neither 29%

Slightly agree

for its culture and

cultural activities.

1997

4% 8% 2008

1% 1% 2% 1%

13%36%

Strongly agree 59%

82%

51%

Hp1alni.asdNctoeZprs'ilscaarcbheeuisasiltndosihirnmiogcpusboladruntiabdlndetin0g%s 6%1997

20% 11%4%3% 2%22%

pparortt eocf tme dy .local

community's identity.

1994 1% 3% 20%

Strongly disagree S0li%ghtly disagree 20%Neither

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

29%

74% 48%

% of respondents

76%

Sli4g0h%tly agree 40%

St6r0on%gly agree 60%

% of respondents

% of respondents

8D0o%n't know 80%

100% 1%

100% 100%

Strongly disagree Slightly disagree Neither Slightly agree Strongly agree Don't know

Sporting activities

2008

23%

27%

6%

24%

19% 1%

are more important than

cultural activities.

1997

21%

31%

4% 21%

23%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

16.SHtrisotnogrliyc dbiusialdgirneges andSlightly disagree

placMesEAaNreSaCnOiRmEpOorUtTanOtF 5 6% 14% part of my local

community's identity.*

Neither 2%

% of respondents

Slightly agree 29%

Strongly agree Don't know 48%

100% 1%

0% 2008

26. Sporting activities

are more important than

cultural activities.

1997

2203%% 21%

40%27%

66%0%

% of respondents

80%

100%

24%

19% 1%

31%

4% 21%

23%

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