NZ Music Industry Organisations

APRA AMCOS NZ

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APRA AMCOS (Australasian Performing Right Association) is a music rights management organisation. APRA’s role is to license organisations to play, perform, copy, record or make available music. They are responsible for distributing royalties to music creators when their music is played or copied, both locally and overseas.

They give businesses (like TV, radio stations, websites, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, gyms and shops) permission to play, copy and record music on behalf of their members.

Why should you join?

When you write music, you own it. This ownership is called copyright, and it’s the means by which composers and songwriters make a living from their work.

Copyright protection happens automatically in New Zealand and is governed by the Copyright Act. The minute you write down a song or record it in any form, your work is protected by law.

APRA AMCOS collect licence fees from the businesses that use your music, and pay those licence fees back to you in the form of royalties.

Through agreements with similar organisations around the world, we also collect royalties for your music when it’s played, recorded and copied overseas.

However, we can only pay you these royalties if you are a member of APRA AMCOS.

Other benefits of being a member include being able to enter our awards, attend our seminars and workshops, and apply for our professional development grants.

Who?

APRA AMCOS was established in 1926. It is a non-profit organisation, meaning that after administration costs, all money collected is distributed to our members.

They represent over 115,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers across New Zealand and Australia for their performing, communication and mechanical (reproduction) rights.

Through agreements with similar organisations around the world we also represent more than two million writers and publishers globally. Through these affiliations we administer the rights of our international members and licence a worldwide repertoire of music.

Join

To be eligible to join APRA AMCOS, you just need to be a songwriter or composer whose music has been performed live in public or played on radio or television. It’s free to join.

Once you’re a member we’ll be able to pay you royalties when businesses play or copy your music. You’ll also be eligible to enter our annual Silver Scroll Awards, attend seminars and workshops, apply for professional development grants and receive great member benefits.

CONTACT

Phone (09) 623 2173 / 0800 NZ APRA (69 2772)
Email

Physical Address
Unit 113, Zone 23
23 Edwin Street
Mt Eden
Auckland 1024

Postal Address
PO Box 6315
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142

CREATIVE NZ
ARTS COUNCIL OF NEW ZEALAND TOI AOTEAROA

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Creative New Zealand encourages, promotes and supports the arts in New Zealand for the benefit of all New Zealanders through funding, capability building, our international programme and advocacy.

WHAT WE DO:

We offer funding for the arts
We provide training and resources to help develop arts capability
We promote New Zealand art internationally
We advocate for the arts, and develop and implement arts policy

CONTACT

Phone 0800 CREATIVE (273 284)
Email

Wellington

Physical Address
Level 2
2-12 Allen Street
Te Aro
Wellington 6011

Postal Address
PO Box 3806
Wellington 6140

Auckland

Physical Address
Level 1
Southern Cross Building
59-67 High Street
Auckland 1010

Postal Address
PO Box 1425
Shortland Street
Auckland 1140

Dunedin

Physical Address
Petridish
8 Stafford Street
Dunedin 9016

INDEPENDENT MUSIC NEW ZEALAND (IMNZ)

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IMNZ is the New Zealand voice for independent record labels, self-releasing artists and distributors.

Any independent New Zealand-owned label, or a self-released band/musician can join IMNZ. Just one recorded single released to the public can qualify you as a member.

WHAT WE DO

Celebrate, Educate and Advocate

Celebrate

IMNZ constantly recognises the amazing music created by our members which is at the heart of the organisation. They celebrate these through the annual Taite Music Prize, their weekly newsletter and independent charts as well as various showcases across the year.

Educate

IMNZ offers educational opportunities to aid the development and growth of all their members. They aim to increase and share their knowledge and provide the necessary tools and connections to further their business.

Each September, the Going Global Music Summit provides an opportunity to meet with professional music business experts from around the world and gives artists the chance to showcase in front of our international speakers – visit Going Global’s website to find out more.

Advocate

IMNZ aims to give independent New Zealand music a collaborative voice and representation, both nationally and internationally. They offer collective bargaining opportunities and a connection to global organisations including the Worldwide Independent Network, Merlin and their compatriot independent trade associations.

CONTACT

Phone (09) 376 0115
Email

Physical Address
7 Great North Road
Grey Lynn
Auckland 1011

MUSIC PRODUCERS GUILD NZ AOTEAROA (MPGNZ)

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The Music Producers Guild of New Zealand / Aotearoa is an advisory service founded to assist producers of recorded music and enable them to sustain a long-term career in the music industry.

The MPGNZ is a non-profit trade organisation, seeded with funding from the New Zealand Music Commission, Recorded Music New Zealand and NZ on Air, with ongoing funding sourced through a subscription model.

Their aim is to foster a supportive and successful community of music production professionals, and in turn, help champion and grow New Zealand music. MPGNZ operates with a board of music industry professionals to ensure that their community and networks have the right tools and the support they need.

CONTACT

Email

MUSIC HELPS
ĀWHINA PUORO

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MusicHelps supports hundreds of projects across New Zealand, each using the power of music to change the lives of thousands of New Zealanders in need.

They also provide emergency assistance to thousands of music people experiencing hardship and illness through their suite of music support services, including a world first, professional online, on-the-phone and face-to-face counselling service tailored to people who make music possible.

CONTACT

Physical Address
Unit 113, Zone 23
23 Edwin Street
Mt Eden
Auckland 1024

Postal Address
PO Box 6315
Wellesley Street
Auckland 1141

MAIN CONTACT

Peter Dickens – General Manager
Email
Phone
(09) 623 4728
Mobile
(021) 0854 5529

MUSIC HELPS WELLBEING SERVICE

Available 24/7 online, on phone and in-person.
Website

CONTACT

Phone 0508 MUSIC HELPS

MUSIC MANAGERS FORUM AOTEAROA (MMF)

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Music Managers Forum Aotearoa is the collective voice for music managers and self-managed artists, both signed and independent. The MMF Aotearoa is an independent, non-profit trade association dedicated to helping grow artist/manager businesses through education, networking and advocacy.

The MMF Aotearoa work towards a fair, honest and more transparent music industry which operates with the highest of integrity in the interests of the artists their members represent. They aim to represent the wide diversity of voices and backgrounds of music managers and their artists.

How do I become a member of the MMF?

Go to the MMF website, click on ‘Join MMF’ and follow the instructions.

Once I am a member, what sort of benefits would I receive?

Benefits for an MMF member include online resources and downloadable contract templates, free entry into most MMF events and training seminars, the one-on-one mentoring programme, entry fee discounts for selected music conferences, invitations to industry networking and music events, and a weekly newsletter with music industry and member news.

Are Mentors available to members?

One of our most popular benefits is the valuable one-on-one Mentoring Programme, where you can book in a series of one-hour confidential sessions with any of our mentors.

Our mentors come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. We have experienced music managers, touring experts, producers, publicists and social media, who all offer their time and expertise to MMF members. The advice these mentors offer in the early stages of a project can be invaluable.

Do you have awards for the best Music Managers in New Zealand?

The Kaiwhakahaere Puoro O Te Tau Manager of the Year Award is presented as part of the Artisan Awards held by Recorded Music NZ in November.

Can a self-managed artist become a member?

Yes, we have a large number of self-managed artists who are solo artists or members of a band.

Do you have regular seminars?

Throughout the year we hold a range of seminars including Back to Basics for our new members, Speed Networking Sessions (past sessions include Radio Programmers, Festival Bookers and Orientation Bookers), the annual Music Month Summit, and we also regularly travel a range of seminars into regional New Zealand.

Do I get to talk to other successful music managers?

Yes, there are various opportunities to network with other managers at many industry events throughout the year.

As a New Zealand member, are you able to link in with other Music Manager Forum groups internationally?

The NZ MMF is part of the IMMF which has over 61 MMFs around the world. There are several IMMF meetings held throughout the year at various music trade fairs that any MMF member is welcome to attend. The NZ MMF is also part of the European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA).

CONTACT

Lorraine Owen runs the day-to-day operations of the NZ MMF, and you can contact her via email.

Postal Address
PO Box 151105
New Lynn
Auckland 0640

NEW ZEALAND MUSIC COMMISSION (NZMC)
TE REO REKA O AOTEAROA

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The New Zealand Music Commission Te Reo Reka O Aotearoa is a government funded organisation that promotes music from New Zealand and supports the growth of New Zealand music businesses – both culturally and economically, at home and abroad.

The hub of NZ Music Month, the Music Commission also delivers contemporary music programmes in schools, including the Musicians Mentoring in Schools Programme; provides music upskilling tools and resources; and runs the international market development & trade show programme Outward Sound.

Outward Sound offers financial support to New Zealanders wanting to grow to an overseas
market. Outward sound is an intuitive set up to encourage the entry of NZ musicians into
global markets.

CONTACT

Phone (09) 376 0115 / 0800 469 642
Email

Physical Address
Upstairs
7 Great North Road
Ponsonby
Auckland 1021

Postal Address
PO Box 90891
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142

NZ ON AIR MUSIC
IRIRANGI TE MOTU

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NZ On Air was set up in 1989 to collect the Broadcasting Fee and use it to promote social and cultural objectives in broadcasting. The Broadcasting Fee was abolished in 1999 but NZ On Air’s work in broadcasting continues, funded now through the Ministry of Culture and Heritage.

One of NZ On Air’s important local content goals is to get more New Zealand music played on the radio.

NZ On Air funding pays for National Radio and Concert FM to record and broadcast NZ music. NZ On Air also funds access radio stations around the country that carry specialist and niche New Zealand music shows.

Since 1991, NZ On Air has provided a series of targeted funding schemes that have the single strategic objective of getting more New Zealand music played on radio, online, and on any platform where the audience is.

FUNDING:

NZ On Air Music is here to ensure great New Zealand music is valued and enjoyed by many New Zealand audiences via broadcast and online platforms. One of the ways we do this is by co-investing in the creation of new songs by NZ artists, visual content to accompany these songs, and subsidising promotion and publicity to help the discovery of these songs in a crowded music market.

New Music Single

New Music Single funding provides a co-investment towards the recording of a song, creation of visual content, and promotion and publicity to get the song noticed.

Apply Here

New Music Project

Funding for artists who have the full support of a third-party NZ-based professional music company for multi-song projects.

Apply Here

New Music Pasifika

Funding for artists of a Pacific background, towards the recording of a song, creation of visual content, and promotion and publicity to get the song noticed.

Apply Here

New Music Pan-Asian

Funding for artists who self-identify as Pan-Asian, towards the recording of a song, creation of visual content, and promotion and publicity to get the song noticed.

New Music Kids

Funding for new music for children, namely audio recordings, visual content and promotion.

Apply Here

New Music Development

Funding for established producers, designed to support the development of a body of work with an emerging artist within New Zealand.

Apply Here

Waiata Takitahi

In association with Te Māngai Pāho, Waiata Takitahi is funding for artists who are interested in recording and releasing a bilingual single with potential general audience appeal and a minimum of 25% te reo Māori in the song lyrics.

Apply Here

New Tracks

New Tracks is a monthly compilation of new NZ music, both funded and non-funded songs for radio stations, other broadcast and online media. This compilation is digitally distributed on the 1st of each month to get more NZ music played on radio and featured on online platforms.

Submissions can be made here.

Music programmes

NZ on Air also fund a number of programmes on radio and TV that showcase New Zealand music and artists.

CONTACT

Email

Wellington/Head Office

Phone (04) 382 9524

Physical Address
Level 2
119 Ghuznee Street
Wellington 6011

Postal Address
PO Box 9744
Marion Square
Wellington 6141

Auckland

Physical Address
B1/1 Beresford Square
Newton
Auckland 1010

MUSIC CONTACTS

Teresa Patterson – Head of MusicTumuaki o Te Puoro
Email

Jeff Newton – Music Promoter (Platforms) – Kaiwhakahau Puoro (Pūnaha Rorohiko)
Email

Casey Yeoh – Music Promoter (Content) – Kaiwhakahau Puoro (Kaupapa)
Email

Sarah Thomson – Music Funding Advisor – Kaitohutohu Pūtea Puoro
Email

Grace Leota – Music Contracts and Funding Coordinator – Kaiwhakahaere Kirimana Puoro & Pūtea
Email

ONEMUSIC

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OneMusic exists to simplify music licensing for New Zealand businesses. One licence grants businesses the legal permission they need to use our music, while helping to ensure that music creators are paid for the use of their work.

What is OneMusic and what does it do?

Businesses that play music need the permission of the owners of the music they play. OneMusic is a joint project between APRA AMCOS and Recorded Music NZ offering a single music licence to NZ businesses covering off both copyrights in one licence. The aim of OneMusic is to make getting a licence quick and easy for Kiwi businesses and royalties collected by OneMusic are paid to copyright owners via APRA and Recorded Music NZ.

CONTACT

Phone 0800 800 663
Email

Physical Address
Unit 113, Zone 23
23 Edwin Street
Mt Eden
Auckland 1024

Postal Address
PO Box 6315
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142

OUTWARD SOUND

Website

What is Outward Sound?

Outward Sound has been set up to provide assistance for market development initiatives and to encourage the entry of New Zealand music and musicians into global markets. New Zealand music industry practitioners (artists, managers etc) and firms (record companies, associated businesses) can apply for assistance through the international music market development grants programme.

Outward Sound is implemented and managed by the New Zealand Music Commission. The programme is inclusive of music from all genres, styles and niches and applicants may target relevant markets around the world. Applicants at different stages of international market development can access the programme.

Detailed information including sample application forms, an overview of the scheme, a detailed support document to assist in applying to Outward Sound, and the dates of funding round are available here.

CONTACT

Phone (09) 376 0115
Email

Physical Address
Upstairs
7 Great North Road
Ponsonby
Auckland 1021

Postal Address
PO Box 90891
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142

PLAY IT STRANGE

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Established in 2003, Play It Strange exists to provide pathways of creativity through songwriting – also the recording, performance and celebration of those songs. We have a number of programmes and competitions in place to achieve these goals, including:

– Songwriting competitions from where those judged as finalists get to record their songs in professional studios to be released on a digital album.
– Other song-based programmes and informative avenues

CONTACT

Phone (09) 377 7919
Email

Postal Address
PO Box 137194
Parnell
Auckland 1151

RECORDED MUSIC NZ

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What does Recorded Music NZ do?

Recorded Music NZ represents recording artists and right holders in Aotearoa through licensing, advocacy and promotion.

I’ve already joined APRA – Why do I also need to be registered with Recorded Music NZ?

Because there are two separate copyrights in recorded music; one for the composition or song (represented by APRA AMCOS) and the other for the master recording (represented by Recorded Music NZ). The short answer is if you own a sound recording or are a NZ artist who has made a recording – you should register with us. It’s quick, easy and free. The best place to start is our website or email.

What is an ISRC code and how do I get one?

The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is a unique 12-digit alphanumeric sequence that is digitally encoded into a sound recording when it is mastered. ISRC simplifies the management of rights when recordings are used across different formats, distribution channels or products.

An ISRC is a permanent identifier for a specific recording – it provides a means of identifying audio or audio-visual recordings internationally. The ISRC system is a worldwide system and the key to royalty collection for recordings in the digital information age – it also assists music licensing companies (like Recorded Music NZ) to keep track of where your sound and music video recordings are being played.

If you are getting ready to release recordings or music video recordings, you should make sure you have your ISRC sorted first. It’s a free service and the master rights owner of any sound or video recording should apply – this is usually a record label. Self-released artists can apply for individual codes from Recorded Music NZ too.

It’s easy to apply and free – email.

More Info

Do I need to join similar organisations in other territories if my recordings are being played overseas?

We have bilateral agreements in place with Sound Exchange (USA) and PPL (UK). If you are aware that your recordings have been broadcast in either the USA or UK, you should let us know. There are differences in what constitutes a qualifying recording in the USA and UK, so the best thing would be to give us a call.

How do I submit music sales from my live shows for the Top 40 Charts?

All charts are compiled based on physical and digital sales from music retailers throughout the country, with streaming data now also included in the NZ Singles Charts. All suppliers of music are eligible to have their sales included, subject to some ground rules of eligibility. If you’re selling your own music direct from shows or through your website, you’ll need to complete the Venue Settlement Form at the NZ Top 40 website under the ‘About the Chart’ section and read through the Chart rules. If you have any questions after looking through the rules, you can contact [email protected] and he will be able to help.

CHARTS

The Official Charts reflect the highest-selling and streaming songs of the week and are based on a combination of physical and digital sales and on-demand audio streams collated from music providers throughout the country. The Hot Charts also include radio airplay and reflect the songs achieving the greatest week-on-week growth.

RadioScope collects the raw retail and streaming data on which The New Zealand Music Chart is based.

CERTIFICATIONS

Gold and Platinum certifications are awarded on the basis of over-the-counter retail sales and streaming data.

The qualifying numbers are:

Gold

Singles – 15,000
Albums – 7,500
DVD – 2,500

Platinum

Singles – 30,000
Albums – 15,000
DVD – 5,000

CONTACT

Phone (09) 360 5085 / 0800 88 77 69
Email

Physical Address
Level 1
2A Hakanoa Street
Grey Lynn
Auckland 1021

Postal Address
Private Bag 78850
Grey Lynn
Auckland 1245

MEMBER CONTACTS

Dean Cameron – Manager Member Services
Email
Phone (09) 361 6836

Rochelle Stables – Member Services
Email
Phone (09) 361 6839

SMOKEFREE ROCKQUEST

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Smokefree Rockquest is New Zealand’s only nationwide, live, original music, youth event. The series of over 40 events reaches audience numbers in excess of 10,000 every year.

Founded in 1989 by music teachers Glenn Common and Pete Rainey, who now run Rockquest Promotions full-time out of Nelson, Smokefree Rockquest has become a New Zealand institution.

Smokefree Rockquest aims to motivate young musicians to prove their ability and realise the heights they can reach in their music careers, and to encourage their peers to support original New Zealand music.

CONTACT

Phone (03) 545 6574
Email

Postal Address
RockQuest Promotions Ltd
PO Box 568
Nelson 7040

SOUNDCHECK AOTEAROA

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SoundCheck Aotearoa is an action group formed in 2020, with the mission to foster a safe and inclusive culture for the music community. They believe that action is needed to address inequitable representation, challenge systemic discrimination, and advance impactful change across the music community.

In recognition of Māori as tangata whenua of Aotearoa, SoundCheck Aotearoa works in partnership with the Māori Music Industry Coalition with everything they do.

CONTACT

Email

Muzic.nz also has an extensive links directory here.