1. Totems and Totara Innovation for the Creative Sector Whangarei 10 – 13 May 2012

2. Introduction Supported by CHART, we are planning a major symposium, Totems and Totara, from 10 – 13 May 2012. Totems and Totara, is planned for three days with exciting guest speakers being negotiated and forums and workshops being planned. Overall, we expect to have a motivating and memorable event with a lasting legacy.

3. The Northland Economy The Northland economy is dominated by agriculture, forestry, tourism, oil, fishing and construction. The Northland economy is dominated by agriculture, forestry, tourism, oil, fishing and construction. The economy has been hit hard by the recession with high unemployment. The economy has been hit hard by the recession with high unemployment. Yet, we have in our midst the seeds of a thriving new sector that offers sustainable growth and considerable opportunities, both nationally and internationally. Yet, we have in our midst the seeds of a thriving new sector that offers sustainable growth and considerable opportunities, both nationally and internationally.

4. Our Creative Economy The creative sector in Northland comprises: The creative sector in Northland comprises: Advertising, architecture, art, craft, design, fashion, film, music, performing arts, publishing, R & D, software, toys and games, TV, radio and video games. Advertising, architecture, art, craft, design, fashion, film, music, performing arts, publishing, R & D, software, toys and games, TV, radio and video games. The creative sector is one of the fastest growing parts of the world economy and it is a major enabler for many industries (design, software, R & D). The creative sector is one of the fastest growing parts of the world economy and it is a major enabler for many industries (design, software, R & D). This sector has the potential to be a foundation stone of our regional economy. This sector has the potential to be a foundation stone of our regional economy.

5. The Event Totems and Totara will be held in Whangarei from 10 – 13 May 2012. This symposium is: An event to celebrate the progress of the creative sector in Northland and enable it to take some big steps forward – to stretch our horizons; A means to connect the creative sector so that it is able to focus on the business of sustainable growth; An opportunity for the creative community to be inspired and to step out on to the world stage; and A means to demonstrate the innovation and resources of the Northland creative sector, as well as enhance its capability.

6. Objectives Totems and Totara objectives: To celebrate the success of the creative economy in Northland; To help position our place on the national and interntional creative map; To bring to Northland exceptional speakers, nationally and from overseas; To foster collaboration within the creative sector; To enhance the capability of the creative sector; To foster the internationalisation of our creative products and ideas; To build and enhance relationships; and For the first time, to bring together the broad Northland creative sector to develop a pathway for growth. To work with local business in raising the profile of the district

7. Themes Key themes for Totems and Totara: Innovation Collaboration Connecting Inclusiveness Capability enhancement Growth through internationalisation

8. Totems and Totara Interested to know more? Check out our website: http://chartnorth.com/chart/project/Totems_and_Totara http://chartnorth.com/chart/project/Totems_and_Totara Or contact Lena 09 430 0710-8 or lena@chartnorth.com