New Zealand Professional Orchestra Sector Review final report (February 2013)

This page contains the final report of the Review of the Professional Orchestra Sector undertaken in 2011 and 2012 by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage (MCH).  The Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Hon Chris Finlayson, commissioned MCH to undertake the review to ensure the Government is supporting the best possible delivery of orchestral services to New Zealanders within current funding levels.

The report does not recommend major structural changes.  It concludes significant improvements and efficiencies can be gained within existing organisational arrangements.  Such an approach preserves the special character of and loyal support for each orchestra and the significant investments made in the sector over a long time.

The report identifies the need for everyone in the orchestra sector to work together better.  The report’s key recommendation is that the central government funders of orchestras, MCH and Creative New Zealand, refine and implement a joint policy and funding framework for their support of orchestras.  The framework is set out in the report and clarifies the different orchestra roles that central government will support.

You can read a copy of the full report, and two supporting documents: the summary of the submissions made to the review’s discussion paper and a report commissioned from Martin, Jenkins and Associates Limited that presents a framework for central government funding of orchestras, here.

New Zealand Professional Orchestra Sector Review final report (pdf copy)

Orchestra Review analysis of submissions (pdf copy)

Orchestra Review funding framework (pdf copy)