Government announces extension to copyright protection for Aotearoa songs and recordings
APRA AMCOS joins the wider creative community in Aotearoa in welcoming the news that the New Zealand government has announced its intention to strengthen our copyright law, and extend the term of protection for songs and recordings, matching that in almost all other territories around the world.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer announced late yesterday that the government is moving to extend copyright term from the current 50 years to 70 years, bringing New Zealand’s law into line with global standards.
This means the copyright term for musical works and lyrics will become the life of the author plus another 70 years after their death. A sound recording of the same song will be protected for 70 years from the date of publication or release.
"This is a welcome show of support for New Zealand songwriters, composers, artists, publishers, and record labels alike. The government makes it clear that it stands with creators and acknowledges the huge contribution the creative economy makes to New Zealand" says Anthony Healey, Head of APRA AMCOS Aotearoa.
"The challenge now is to make the necessary legislative changes quickly to ensure that iconic records and other works don’t fall out of protection."