10 years of New Zealand Music Month

New Zealand Music Month celebrates 10 years of creative sounds and diversity, arts, culture and heritage spokesperson Steve Chadwick said.

“New Zealand music month is an opportunity for fans of New Zealand music to celebrate the unique sounds of our music industry,” Ms Chadwick said.

“In the 10 years that New Zealand music month has been growing the amount of locally created music being played on our airwaves has nearly doubled from 11 percent to around 20 percent.

“The phenomenal increase in New Zealand music being played shows the need for ongoing funding support to NZ On Air to grow the production of Kiwi music and ensure we hear our own brand of music.

“The more than doubling of the amount of New Zealand music being played on air is a fantastic achievement and a sign of the quality of music New Zealand musicians are creating.

“However, this year’s celebration is tinged with a concern for the ongoing promotion of New Zealand artists.

“Radio New Zealand which regularly features local artists is currently under threat from Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman.

“Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman feels New Zealand’s artistic heritage can be left to the hands of the market.

“Promoting New Zealand music and the diverse range of musicians working in New Zealand is something that should not just be left to commercial radio stations. State broadcasters like RNZ also have a role to play.”

ENDS

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