Gig Guide
Classic Kiwi songs will stay in copyright for longer under changes to protect artists from losing control of their work.
The Government will extend copyright protection for music recordings from 50 years to 70 years after publication. Other works get protection for 70 years after the creator's death.
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer said some of New Zealand's best-known recordings from the 1970s were close to falling out of copyright.
"Songs like I See Red, April Sun in Cuba, and Gutter Black are part of New Zealand's soundtrack. They are played in our homes, at our parties, on our radios, and across the world," Brewer said.
"These recordings are not just nostalgic classics. They are the work of New Zealand artists who created something lasting, and they deserve to keep earning from that work."
Without the changes, artists would risk losing control over their work and the ability to be paid for it.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith said the music industry had raised the issue for years.
"This is why we have agreed to prioritise these changes during New Zealand Music Month, when we celebrate the creativity, talent, and contribution of our artists and wider music industry," Goldsmith said.
"This is something that's been raised with us by the music industry for a long time. I'm pleased that we're getting on with it."
"These protections ensure New Zealand artists can continue to benefit from their hard work."
Goldsmith said the Government wanted New Zealand to be as well known for its arts and creativity as it was for dairy exports and beautiful scenery.
"Our Government's vision is for New Zealand to be as well known for its arts and creativity as it is for dairy exports and beautiful scenery. One of our key actions is modernising regulation to enable the cultural sectors to thrive, and this is a great example."
Brever said New Zealand had been out of step for too long.
"New Zealand has been out of step for too long," Brewer said.
"But this is not only about protecting the classics. It is also about backing today's Kiwi artists and the next generation of musicians, who deserve to know the work they are creating now will be protected into the future."
The changes were agreed as part of free trade agreements with the UK and EU and must be in place by May 1, 2028.
Brever said further changes to the Copyright Act would be announced in the next few weeks.