Money for something: why public funding for NZ’s live music scene needs retuning
Every dollar invested in local live performance is multiplied in benefits to local communities. But state funding has to be strategic and targeted.
In March 2025, Linkin Park performed at Auckland's Spark Arena, drawing 12,376 fans with the help of public funding from the NZ$40 million Events Attraction Package. However, only 1% of attendees were international visitors, highlighting a lack of international draw. The same applied to the ULTRA New Zealand Music Festival in Wellington, also funded by the package, which saw 118 international attendees or 0.4% of the crowd.
Critics argue the fund favors multinational promoters and subsidizes international acts that might have performed otherwise. Despite this, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) found that for every dollar spent on live performance events, $3.20 is returned to the community. The latest MBIE analysis suggests that the first four funded events yielded a net benefit of $15 million.
Yet, there is a push for more strategic investment, such as supporting smaller local events and regional live performances. The current funding approach may concentrate audiences and economic activity in major cities, neglecting other regions. A proposal suggests international promoters reinvest profits into local infrastructure and talent development, or for the government to mandate them to promote local acts alongside international tours.
While strategic government investment in live performance does generate community benefits, directing funds to local artists and infrastructure could yield even greater returns.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
