Recorded Music NZ have announced changes to their Official NZ Music Charts, introducing the new Catalogue Charts alongside the existing charts from April 22.

In a bid to free up chart space for newer music, the existing Top 40 Charts will impose an 18-month limit on recordings appearing there. The clock starts ticking the first week a recording enters the chart, and if after 18 months it is still charting it automatically gets moved to the Catalogue Charts instead, carrying its full chart history with it to continue on its journey toward historical chart longevity records. Chart compiler Paul Kennedy explains the changes.

“In a streaming-dominated world in which old favourites are often on perpetual repeat for many music fans, some titles never leave the chart, while a large quantity of very deserving new music never charts at all. By splitting the charts into two, we can continue to celebrate the most enduring albums and songs in their own new charts, while also freshening up the Top 40.”

Recorded Music NZ released a short FAQ to elaborate on the changes.