The reforms aim to align the country with international standards
The government has announced that it will extend copyright protection for music recordings and other creative works by 20 years, a move ministers say is intended to ensure artists continue to benefit financially from their work and to align the country’s laws with international standards.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer announced on Tuesday the planned amendments to the Copyright Act. Under the proposed changes, copyright protection for sound recordings will increase from 50 years to 70 years after publication. Other works will receive protection for 70 years after the creator’s death.
The government said the changes are aimed at protecting well-known New Zealand recordings that are approaching the end of their current copyright terms. Brewer pointed to songs including “I See Red,” “April Sun in Cuba,” and “Gutter Black” as examples of recordings that form part of New Zealand’s cultural identity and continue to generate commercial value.
According to Brewer, some recordings from the 1970s are close to falling out of copyright protection, which could result in artists losing control over how their works are used and reducing their ability to earn income from them.
“These recordings are not just nostalgic classics,” Brewer said in a media release. “They are the work of New Zealand artists who created something lasting, and they deserve to keep earning from that work.”
Goldsmith said the issue had been raised by the music industry for many years and described the reform as part of the government’s broader effort to modernise regulation affecting the cultural sector.
The ministers said the amendments would support both established and emerging artists by providing longer-term protection for creative works. Brewer said the changes are intended not only to preserve rights associated with older recordings, but also to give current and future musicians confidence that their works will remain protected for decades.
Goldsmith said the reforms align with the government’s broader objective of strengthening New Zealand’s cultural and creative industries. “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,” Goldsmith said.
The extension of copyright terms forms part of New Zealand’s obligations under its free trade agreements with the United Kingdom and the European Union. The government said the legislative changes will take effect by 1 May 2028.
Brewer also indicated that additional reforms to the Copyright Act are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
