EXPOSED: NZ On Air’s $500,000 Encore for Artists Already in the System

The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is questioning a new $500,000 pilot fund from NZ On Air to subsidise national concert tours but only for artists who have already received taxpayer support and completed a prior headline tour.

Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley said:

“If you’ve already got a taxpayer-funded music project, already have done a tour, and already have a professional team behind you then congratulations, NZ On Air might just give you another $50,000.”

“How does taxpayer top-up for artists who are already shown they are well-established and commercially viable support startup musicians?”

"This funding is a perfect example of how public arts money often goes to the same insiders, while working artists who are actually building a following get overlooked."

“Let’s be real, if you’ve already had a national tour and a government grant, it’s time to stand on your own two feet. Taxpayers shouldn’t be paying for encore rounds.”

"Public money needs to start going to the frontline services where it’s actually needed, not to those with the best industry connections."