12 organisations from across the Aotearoa music community have come together to publish a music manifesto for the next government, with seven key requests for targeted action that will help address the current limitations of support and infrastructure.
The 2026 NZ Music Manifesto was created in collaboration with Recorded Music NZ, APRA AMCOS, the NZ Music Commission and a cohort of industry partners. You can read the full manifesto here.
Over the past five months, Aotearoa music organisations have come together to develop the 2026 NZ Music Manifesto, through consultation and conversations with a broad range of music organisations and sector bodies. The signatories to the Music Manifesto this year are: APRA AMCOS, Independent Music NZ, the Māori Music Industry Collective, MusicHelps, the Music Managers Forum Aotearoa, Music Production Guild Aotearoa, the NZ Music Commission, OneMusic, the Pacific Music Awards Trust, Recorded Music NZ, SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music and SoundCheck Aotearoa.
The manifesto states…
This election year, we are asking government and political parties to commit to targeted action to help our industry reach its potential.
The New Zealand music industry contributes nearly $1 billion to GDP and builds the country’s brand in international markets more effectively than any advertising campaign. Our music is a source of pride and inspiration for audiences across Aotearoa, reflecting our unique cultural identity.
We have seven key asks for government action:
Music Industry Growth Strategy – Recognise music as a growth industry alongside screen and games
Copyright Law & AI Regulation – Hold the line and protect artists’ rights to choose how their work is used
Music Infrastructure & Artist Development – Aotearoa is bursting with musical talent but the infrastructure needs support
Export: Supercharge Growth – Treat music export with the strategic seriousness applied to primary industries
Māori Music Development – Our unique offering to the world
Government Levers: Discoverability – Use existing tools to amplify Aotearoa music
Music Education – The talent pipeline begins in the classroom
