Ministry for Culture and Heritage Annual Report 2007

Section One – Achievement of Key Objectives in 2006/07

The 2006 Statement of Intent contained two broad long-term organisational outcomes that support the Ministry’s purpose
of ensuring effective government involvement in the culture and heritage sector:

New Zealanders enjoy widespread access to quality culture and heritage experiences
Culture and heritage activities contribute to the achievement of other government outcomes.

These outcomes are enabled by four intermediate outcomes that each have supporting objectives, priorities and mechanisms.
The objectives and priorities guide and focus the Ministry’s key projects and ongoing work. The mechanisms describe how the Ministry will advance its intermediate outcomes.

Intermediate Outcome One:

Digital delivery of cultural content is enhanced.

Key priority 1

Provide access to accurate and authoritative information about New Zealand, our history and society.

Mechanisms

Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand (www.TeAra.govt.nz). An online encyclopedia with pathways for understanding New Zealand, its peoples, natural environment, history, culture, economy, institutions and society.
NZHistory.net.nz – New Zealand History Online ( www.nzhistory.net.nz). The site where New Zealanders can explore, understand and learn about New Zealand’s history, and how the past has shaped New Zealand’s identity and its place in
the world.

Key Objectives for 2006/07

Actual performance

Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Complete the third Te Ara theme, 'The Bush', and at least four regional sections of the 'Places' theme.

Achieved. Find out more at www.teara.govt.nz

Increase visitor numbers.

Visits to TeAra.govt.nz grew significantly between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007. The number of unique visits (browsers) for the period 1 January to 30 June 2007 was 731,731 – compared to 557,121 visits for the period 1 July to 31 December 2006.

For more information on visitor numbers see page 12 of this Annual Report.

NZHistory.net.nz

Develop new features to augment the range of material available on the site.

A large amount of new content was added to
NZHistory.net.nz. New content included teaching resources on the Treaty of Waitangi, features on events such as Matariki, Chinese New Year and Anzac Day, and content marking New Zealand Music Month.

Incorporate the former State Services Commission’s Treaty of Waitangi site into NZHistory.net.nz.

The Treaty of Waitangi website (transferred from the State Services Commission) was relaunched as part of NZHistory.net.nz in February 2007. Find out more at www.nzhistory.net.nz/category/tid/133

Maintain and enhance visitor satisfaction through greater use of interactive content.

The amount of interactive content on NZHistory.net.nz has been increased during the year. New interactive content included interactive maps (as on the former Treaty of Waitangi site), an interactive database of war memorials, and the development of quizzes and printable ‘certificates’. (Interactive content is designed to provide users with a richer and more memorable experience).

Increase visitor numbers.

The use of NZHistory.net.nz has grown significantly over the year. The number of unique visits (browsers) for the period 1 January to 30 June 2007 was 300,960 – compared with 244,230 visits for the period 1 July to 31 December 2006.

For more information on visitor numbers see Section Two of this Annual Report.

Key Priority 2

A coordinated web presence for government cultural agencies, government-funded cultural organisations, and private sector and community-based cultural entities and enterprises.

Mechanism

Development of a cultural portal for New Zealand to improve access to digital cultural content.

Key Objectives for 2006/07	Actual performance
*Development of a cultural portal*
Launch a cultural web portal as the foundation for a common access point to arts, culture and heritage enterprises and information.	On 11 September 2006 the Ministry’s new cultural web portal, NZLive.com, was launched as an access point for information on New Zealand’s cultural events and related enterprises. Find out more in our digital Year in Review and visit www.nzlive.com
Provide a cultural activities and events website within the cultural portal, aimed at increasing domestic and international audiences for cultural goods and services, cultural tourism events, and facilities and destinations in New Zealand.	In its initial phase of development the website includes an up-to-date guide to New Zealand cultural activities and events. The site also includes a directory of cultural organisations with related web-links. Navigation pathways are available in English and Te Reo Maori. Site visits have grown steadily over the 2006/07 financial year. From 11 September 2006 (site launch date) to 30 June 2007 unique visits increased from 202 to 33,884. International visitors accounted for 17.89% of the total audience. For more information on visitor numbers see page 12 of this Annual Report.
Extend content and functionality to provide easy access to information, services, products and activities within the sector.	In April 2007 the Cultural Funding Guide was launched, a new addition to the online services provided by NZLive.com. The guide provides a customised database of private and public funding sources for cultural activities.

Key Priority 3

The effective use of digital technologies to support public broadcasting objectives in television broadcasting.

Mechanism

The launch of a digital television service offering enhanced public broadcasting and local content to all New Zealanders.

Key Objectives for 2006/07	Actual performance
*Digital television services*
Secure free-to-air broadcaster commitment to a digital television platform, using hybrid terrestrial and satellite delivery.	In 2006 Cabinet supported the launch of free-to-air digital television. The Freeview satellite delivery service was launched on 2 May 2007. Kordia (the system provider) has commenced the roll-out of a digital terrestrial transmission system, which will carry Freeview. This is due for completion in February 2008. Find out more about digital television here
Encourage the development of new digital services that effectively deliver public broadcasting and include content reflecting a New Zealand identity and perspective.	In 2006 Cabinet approved funding to support two new advertising-free digital services (TVNZ6, TVNZ7) on the Freeview platform. TVNZ6 is to launch on 30 September 2007, followed by TVNZ7, which is scheduled to be launched in March 2008. Both services are to include 50% to 70% local content.

Intermediate Outcome Two: New symbols of nationhood are developed.

Key Priority 1

Completion of new memorial projects.

Mechanisms

New Zealand Memorial in London.
New Zealand Memorial Park in Wellington.

Key Objectives for 2006/07

Actual performance

Complete the New Zealand Memorial in London within budget and in time for dedication on 11 November 2006.

The New Zealand Memorial in London project was completed, within the approved budget culminating in the dedication ceremony on 11 November 2006.
Find out more in our digital Year in Review
and visit www.londonmemorial.govt.nz

Advance the establishment of the New Zealand Memorial Park, including considering the feasibility of putting Buckle Street below ground in order to create a direct link between the National War Memorial and the New Zealand Memorial Park.

The preferred option for the layout of the park was announced on the eve of Anzac Day 2007. This has Buckle Street realigned to the north rather than going below the ground.

Intermediate Outcome Three: New Zealand is promoted internationally through our culture and heritage.

Key Priority 1

New Zealand cultural activities are taken offshore to advance the country’s trade, economic, tourism and diplomatic interests.

Mechanism

Implementation of the Cultural Diplomacy International Programme (CDIP).

Key Objectives for 2006/07

Actual performance

Broadcast in China of five documentaries about New
Zealand’s natural history, its people, China–New Zealand links, New Zealand innovation and New Zealand cinema.

Five documentaries about aspects of New Zealand, made by Natural History New Zealand, were screened on China Central Television channels from November 2006.

Present an exhibition from New Zealand (curated and
managed by Te Papa) in four cities in China.

An exhibition incorporating two performing arts groups and an interactive exhibition for display in shopping malls toured four cities in China between March and May 2007. Find out more about the CDIP

Intermediate Outcome Four: Performance of others in their support of cultural and heritage outcomes is enhanced.

Key Priority 1

Key culture and heritage legislation is reviewed.

Mechanism

Review of the Historic Places Act, Protected Objects Act, Radio New Zealand Act and other legislation as agreed with government; and legislative amendments made through the Parliamentary process.

Key Objectives for 2006/07	Actual performance
Enactment and implementation of the Historic Places Amendment Bill, priority 2 on the 2006 Legislation Programme (must be passed in the year).	Achieved.
Enactment and implementation of the Protected Objects Amendment Bill, priority 3 on the 2006 Legislation Programme (to be passed if possible in the year).	Achieved. Find out more at www.protected-objects.govt.nz
Review of Radio New Zealand Act, priority 4 on the 2006 Legislation Programme (to be referred to a select committee in the year).	Achieved.

Key Priority 2

Central government agencies’ understanding of and support for culture and heritage outcomes (and of the role of culture and heritage in broader government outcomes) is enhanced.

Mechanism

Development and implementation of a communications strategy and supporting communications plans, with a focus on actively promoting understanding of, and support for, the role of culture and heritage by central government agencies.

Key Objectives for 2006/07

Actual performance

Implement the key priorities from the Ministry’s strategic communications plans to support central government
agencies’ understanding of, and support for, the role of culture and heritage.

A draft communications plan was developed. However, completion of the plan and implementation of supporting initiatives has been postponed while the Ministry implements changes to the structure and focus of its Stakeholder Communications Unit in 2007/08.

Key Priority 3

Funded-agency performance is enhanced.

Mechanisms

Provide advice, resources and workshops to enhance the governance of Ministry-funded agencies
Provide resources and advice for improving the operational capability of Ministry-funded agencies.

Key Objectives for 2006/07	Actual performance
*Enhancing governance*
Maintain a ‘best practice’ Crown governance programme for funded agencies. This includes providing: Advice to Ministers on candidates for appointment to funded-agency boards Induction programmes for board members appointed in 2006/07 Workshops, discussion opportunities and regular updates for board members. This includes quarterly editions of a governance e-newsletter and maintenance of relevant content on the Exchange shared workspace (intranet available to all board members) Compilation over the year of a regularly updated governance e-manual.	The Ministry provided early advice to Ministers on board candidates and ensured that Ministers’ appointment decisions were promptly actioned. Induction programmes were provided for most new board members appointed in 2006/07. Three new members did not attend a session. Advice and support were provided through our e-newsletters and on the Exchange shared workspace. This range of support was welcomed by Board members and Chairs, as evidenced by feedback received and via a survey of Chairs undertaken in June 2007. The development of a governance e-manual for Ministry-funded agencies was commenced (26 chapters were completed in 2006/07). The e-manual will be available to Board members in late 2007.
*Improving operational capability*
Develop, pilot and complete a robust ‘Capability Assessment Tool’ and ‘Capability Improvement Process’ for our medium-sized and/or new agencies.	The draft Capability Assessment Tool (CAT) was approved by an external peer review panel and the pilot was run with the New Zealand Music Commission in 2006. The CAT was subsequently developed further and the second version is currently being tested. In testing the CAT tool, the Ministry is also identifying and investigating additional opportunities to support funded agencies to enhance capability.
Run workshops and seminars, and support additional professional advice and/or coaching, to address identified operational capability issues.	In the 2006/07 financial year the Ministry provided advice and training on developing Statements of Intent, assisted an agency with the costs of Board performance review, and funded the General Manager of one agency to enable participation in a professional development session.

Capability Objectives Supporting the Achievement of the Ministry’s Outcomes

The foundation for advancing the Ministry’s outcomes is based on the capability of its people, its information resources, knowledge, technology, support and communications processes.

The Ministry can legitimately regard itself as a successful organisation and a consistently high performer. Feedback from stakeholders, central agencies, the Audit Office and Ministers has been positive to date. In 2006/07 the Ministry made progress on the following five-year capability goals. These goals also support the Ministry’s commitment to the Development Goals for the State Services. The goals are to:

Maintain a comprehensive human resources strategy that meets the Ministry’s needs.
Develop the Ministry’s knowledge and information management by
- enhancing the use of internal expertise and resources
- IT development.
Implement and maintain a robust planning, reporting and risk management framework.
Enhance strategic policy capacity and research, and
Enhance our strategic communications capacity.

Key Objectives for 2006/07	Actual performance
*Maintain a comprehensive human resources strategy that meets the Ministry’s needs*
Conduct an inaugural pay and employment equity review to assess the Ministry’s gender, pay and broad employment equity.	The Ministry’s pay and employment equity review commenced in partnership with the Public Service Association in April 2007. The review will be concluded in 2007/08.
Review our work-life balance and wellness policies.	The review of the Ministry’s work-life balance and wellness polices commenced in 2006/07 year and will continue into 2007/08.
Review our performance management systems to: provide a consistent approach within the Ministry enhance the frequency and regularity of feedback for staff, and encourage professional development.	A new annual professional development and work planning process for Ministry staff was rolled out in July 2006. Performance management training for managers was also provided.
Compliance with good employer requirements of the State Sector Act 1988.	The Ministry met all of its obligations in this regard.
*Enhance the Ministry’s knowledge and information management resources (five-year programme)*
(a) Enhancing the use of internal expertise and resources
Investigate human resources initiatives for improved ways of utilising expertise within the organisation.	In the 2007 budget the Ministry received additional funding to enhance its baseline capacity. A Programme of Action has been implemented with initiatives to enhance the Ministry’s operations and future development. The first step in developing knowledge sharing and enhanced information management across the organisation was the boosting of the Ministry’s information management capacity in 2007.
Develop mechanisms for information sharing, such as the internal broadcasting group, which bring together Ministry staff involved in providing support to the Minister of Broadcasting.	An internal governance group of managers involved in Broadcasting was established and has met monthly. In addition, as part of its Programme of Action, the Ministry has commenced the next stage in the development of its intranet resources. This work will provide an improved foundation for information sharing throughout the Ministry.
Develop and implement a database of images and related resources that will be accessible across the Ministry.	A roadmap for the Ministry’s web and information technology architecture has been developed and is being implemented. The Ministry has, as part the IT roadmap, established a database of images for its websites. Further development of and improved access to the database will occur over 2007/08.
(b) IT development
Develop a formal web strategy to guide website development and support decisions.	A roadmap for the Ministry’s IT infrastructure, internal support and web platforms was developed in 2007. The roadmap included a programme for the migration of the Ministry’s websites to a common platform. The migration commenced in 2006/07 and as at 30 June 2007 NZHistory.net.nz had migrated. The Ministry is planning to migrate its other sites in the 2007/08 financial year.
Identify and address any opportunities to enhance structure, infrastructure and capacity across the Ministry’s web programmes.	The Ministry has commenced the migration of its web infrastructure to a common platform. This includes the development of enhanced workflow management tools for the development of web content. As part of this migration programme, the Ministry will take advantage of any opportunities to further enhance capability, structure and infrastructure across its web projects.
*Implement and maintain a robust planning and reporting framework*
Enhance resource planning in key areas of the Ministry.	The 2007 Statement of Intent contains a clear strategic management framework for the Ministry. This has provided a foundation for the further development of our resource planning and project management resources. As part of its Programme of Action, the Ministry has boosted its planning capability for enhancing project management, resource planning and risk management in 2007/08.
*Enhance strategic communications and policy capacity*
Clarify future research priorities for culture and heritage Explore ways to promote the Ministry’s strategic policy capacity Continually develop a better understanding of culture and heritage within central government agencies.	The Ministry’s Programme of Action includes initiatives to further develop its strategic communications, policy research capacity and priorities in 2007/08. These initiatives will enhance the Ministry’s coordination, collaboration, resource prioritisation, strategic management and stakeholder engagement. The foundation for these initiatives is the development of the current leadership structure, and the addition of capacity in the policy and communications areas. Work on the leadership structure and additional capacity commenced in May 2007. The Ministry also initiated a programme of regular ‘futures’ workshops involving outside speakers on future developments relative to the Ministry’s interests.
Enhance the Ministry’s stakeholder communications by reviewing the way the Ministry communicates with key stakeholders.	A number of internal and external stakeholders were interviewed and an evaluation of the Ministry’s communication initiatives was undertaken. This analysis informed the development of a draft communications strategy. Further work on communications and stakeholder engagement strategies has been postponed while the Ministry implements changes to the structure and focus of its Stakeholder Communications Unit in 2007/08.