The industry has built on unique aspects of New Zealand’s culture to become a significant contributor to the country’s economy and a vibrant feature of its international profile.
In addition, creative industries have the potential to drive changes in productivity and contribute to growth in other areas such as manufacturing and education, by adopting design-led principles and/or digital tools and innovation.
Some of the New Zealand industry’s international successes have included:
- the development of quality education resources used by teachers around the world in the fields of biology, literacy and mathematics
- industry-leading animation software that evolved out of the New Zealand-made trilogy The Lord of the Rings.
According to Statistics New Zealand, the creative industries generated $8.268 billion in total gross output in the March 2006 year.
The global creative opportunity
The rapid development of high-quality broadband internet services is transforming industries that provide, or have the potential to provide, digital content – particularly the interactive games, music and film industries. Consumers are engaging with entertainment in new ways and demand is growing strongly for products that can be delivered across different media and platforms.
The creative industries also have the power to enable other sectors of the economy – from the primary industries and manufacturing to education and training – to perform better and improve productivity. As growing consumer choice means increased pressure for goods that are meaningful and relevant, applying good design principles is important to differentiate products and services.
Consumer demand for sustainable products is creating opportunities for fibres such as wool to be incorporated into designer textile and fashion products.
How NZTE can help creative businesses
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) employs staff with creative industry expertise in strategic locations around the world. Much of our creative work is focused on projects and trade events in North America, Europe and Asia.
NZTE works with the industry to build the capability of creative businesses. It helps them to identify new opportunities for growth internationally and promotes the industry’s strengths globally.
Better by Design is a specialist group within NZTE. Its programmes are built on the principle that design strategies and processes can be applied to businesses to improve the bottom line.
To find out more about NZTE’s work in the creative industries, or to talk with an NZTE representative about participating in initiatives in the creative industries:
More general information about New Zealand’s various creative industries can be found via industry bodies that work with NZTE.
