New Zealand music biz welcomes Issues Paper on review of Copyright Act

Both the recording, songwriter and publisher rights sectors of New Zealand have welcomed the release by the NZ’s government of the Issues Paper on the review of the Copyright Act.

The purpose of the review is to assess how well the legislation meets NZ’s objectives for copyright and to identify barriers to achieving those objectives and how these effect creators, publishers, distributors and consumers.

“It’s an exciting time to be a music fan in New Zealand, and the music industry has been a leader in the digital environment,” said Recorded Music NZ CEO, Damian Vaughan.

“But for this to continue it is essential that we have fit for purpose copyright laws.”

Vaughan ticked off NZ music industry data: employing 2000 directly, contributing NZ$550 million to the economy, and global success spearheaded by artists like Lorde and Opetaia Foa’I.

“This success doesn’t just happen though.

“Copyright is the lifeblood of our industry, enabling recording artists and all the other Kiwis who work in the industry to be paid for their work, and supporting ongoing investment by record companies in finding and nurturing creative talent.

“For this to continue, it is essential that New Zealand has the right copyright framework.

“While the Copyright Act provides a sound framework, some key adjustments are needed to bring it into line with the reality of today’s market.

“The review provides an opportunity to do this and to make the law more robust and effective and the release of the Issues Paper is an important step in the process.”

Last month Recorded Music NZ released a position paper called Music Doesn’t Just Happen setting out its priorities for the review.

They are:

* ensure fair market conditions for negotiations with digital platforms;

* provide for effective enforcement of copyright online;

* harmonise NZ’s copyright term with that of other OECD countries;

* give recording artists and record companies a fair go on copyright exceptions.

Vaughan said: “We will now be focused on engaging with the government and other stakeholders over the review process to ensure that these priority areas are addressed and that our music industry can continue to thrive.”

Meantime APRA AMCOS’ NZ head Anthony Healey also welcomed the issues paper, saying,  “This review into copyright is critical for the future of all our creative industries and we look forward to the artists’ voice and the voices of those that invest in the creative process being part of the discussion into how New Zealand positions itself for the future.

“With a rich vein of talent coming from across the country and with the advent of a second digital revolution, the opportunities for New Zealand and its economy are infinite.”

“Creators and consumers all benefit from a strong and robust copyright regime and through this review New Zealand has the opportunity to develop world’s best practice to usher in a new era of access, creativity, excellence and export,” he says.

APRA writer-director and songwriter Malcolm Black stressed, “Today we have more music, more access and more opportunity.

“At the same time though the balance has shifted and large multinational technology companies dominate the way we listen to music, watch video and even find our entertainment online.”

“Each of these trillion dollar companies are built on the back of individual creators works. It’s only reasonable that those creators participate fairly and equally in this digital economy. That’s why this review is important.”

APRA plans to consult with members in coming months about their views on the Copyright Act Review.