Auckland is the beating heart of New Zealand's music industry and home to many of the country's renowned artists, practitioners and institutions. As one of the most diverse cities in the world, music in Auckland plays a vital role in shaping the city's identity and in fostering social inclusion.
"The music sector's vitality is evident in the year-round anchor festivals which celebrate the city's diverse culture, including Tāmaki Herenga Waka which showcases the city's Māori artists and heritage" (Auckland, 2019). Music in Parks initiative is a series of free outdoor concerts representing New Zealand's largest showcase of local artists including those with Indigenous roots. "Many initiatives focus on improving youth access to culture through free concerts and by granting musical scholarships for students in low socio-economic situations" (Auckland, 2019).
Auckland Council realizes the desire and need for individuals to improve their status. "Toi Whītiki, Auckland's Arts and Culture Strategic Plan is the main policy supporting and harnessing the potential of the music industry' (Auckland, 2019). Established in 2015, the Arts and Culture Strategic Plan "recognizes the far-reaching benefits of the creative sector and aims at making arts and culture part of Aucklanders' everyday lives, as well as building a successful creative economy" (Auckland, 2019). Additionally, the promotion of economic, cultural and economic value will help grow funding for the arts. "Toi Whitiki will also provide funding and proper access to creative spaces within the arts and culture"(Auckland, 2019).
As a Creative City of Music, Auckland should "rethink the development of music heritage, as well as creating a platform for future music heritage projects by promoting and protecting the city's musical history, placing the Māori heritage at its centre, thus strengthening the community and celebrating Auckland's cultural identity at the international level" (Auckland, 2019). By doing so, this will help further the development of the music sector in Auckland while increasing exposure to the Indigenous heritage that is ever so important to the identity of the city.
Auckland should also use the "integration of music, intertwined with other art forms, into public transport, encouraging the use of the transport system and enhancing exposure to local creativity" (Auckland, 2019). This will increase revenues to the city, while providing the safety to citizens and growth towards exposing the creative arts sector within Auckland.
Auckland's Indigenous cultural identity is a framework that Calgary could find beneficial if implemented moving forward. With strong indigenous ties in Calgary, the strengthening of the community through Indigenous heritage, will benefit the entire society as a whole. For Calgary to be able to build relationships with different Indigenous peoples is an opportunity that serves many benefits and must be taken advantage of.
(Auckland Underground Music Scene Documentary, 2013)
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