New Zealand’s music industry is calling on the country’s next government to treat music as a serious growth sector, unveiling a seven-point manifesto covering copyright and AI, live music infrastructure, exports Māori music, discoverability and education.
Led by Recorded Music NZ and developed alongside APRA AMCOS, the NZ Music Commission and other industry partners, the 2026 New Zealand Music Industry Manifesto was released ahead of the country’s general election.
The document argues that while New Zealand music contributed $928 million to GDP in 2024, the sector receives less than five per cent of the government’s total arts funding.
It also points to projections from Goldman Sachs that global music revenue will reach $131 billion by 2030, arguing that New Zealand’s ability to take advantage of that growth is being restricted by infrastructure rather than a lack of talent.
“The music industry is not asking for handouts,” the manifesto states.
Instead, it is seeking what it describes as an ‘evidence-based strategy’ for investment, targeted government support and policy settings that better recognise music infrastructure.
The document also points to contemporary music strategies in Australia and the UK, as well as coordinated approaches taken by Sweden and South Korea.
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At the top of the industry’s seven requests is the development of a Music Industry Growth Strategy, which would recognise music as a growth industry alongside screen and games.
The manifesto calls for music to be brought into the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s remit, an evidence-based industry growth strategy, and a tax rebate for New Zealand businesses developing and creating music.
Copyright and AI are another major focus. The industry wants legislation extending the copyright term from 50 to 70 years expedited as part of New Zealand’s EU free trade agreement commitments, while opposing new copyright exceptions that would allow music to be used for AI training without permission.
The manifesto argues that AI companies using music for training should seek licenses and pay rights holders, and calls for companies to be required to keep records of the material used to train their AI models and provide those records to rights holders upon request.
Live music and artist development also feature prominently. The industry is asking for government support for music venues, action on regulatory issues including noise control and liquor licensing, and $2 million annually to support artists touring regional New Zealand.
A further $3 million a year is proposed for organisations providing professional development to artists, labels, managers, producers and youth, alongside support for safety and harm-preventon initiatives.
On exports, the manifesto calls for $5 million in annual funds for the sector’s export strategy, including increased support for Outward Sound and the NZ Music Commission’s international presence. It also wants the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to incorporate music into trade missions, bilateral exchanges and diplomatic programming.
The industry is also asking the government to recognise Māori music as a potentially significant global cultural export, advocating for greater investment in Māori-led music creation, talent development, leadership and kappa Māori industry infrastructure. The manifesto proposes targeted export initiatives, trade missions and international cultural exchanges, while arguing Māori music could also contribute to tourism and wider economic growth.
The final pillar focuses on education, including appointing a Contemporary Music Development Specialist within the Ministry of Education, retaining music as a key curriculum learning area and investing in teacher training and resources.
Recorded Music NZ CEO Jo Oliver said the proposals were designed to turn New Zealand’s existing creative strength into greater economic and cultural returns.
“New Zealand has world class musical talent and now we need a robust strategy and policy settings to match. With targeted government action we can grow the revenue our industry generates globally, strengthen the local sector, and develop the next generation of musical talent,” Oliver said. “We look forward to working with government and political parties to turn potential into achievement.”
The full manifesto can be viewed online.
