May 22, 2008
Press Release
Changes to Authors' Fund welcomed
Government moves to restructure the former Authors' Fund and increase assistance to authors is great news,
says Society of Authors' President Paul Smith.
He welcomed the $500,000 top-up to the Fund which is now to be known as the Public Lending Right.
"But the most significant measure is the proposal for a shift from Creative New Zealand to a new form of
administration " said Mr Smith. He hoped this would return a greater degree of author control and representation in
the scheme, which compensates writers for the use of their works in libraries.
Mr Smith welcomed the Prime Minister's willingness to listen and to make long overdue changes, including the new name
which he said reflects the present emphasis on rights.
"The whole package recognises and rewards authors' intellectual property" he said.
Ends