New Zealand Music Month

New Zealand Music Month began in 2001. Each May, New Zealand music is showcased on radio and television and in live performances.

New Zealand Music Month logo

New Zealand Music Month aims to boost the visibility and success of New Zealand music. It was developed to support the New Zealand music industry by creating a commercially successful platform for local performers. In 2000 airtime for New Zealand music on commercial radio stations made up around 10% of programming. By 2005 this figure had increased to nearly 23%. The amount of New Zealand music sold increased from 5.45% of the total market in 2000 to over 10% by 2004.

At this website, we celebrate New Zealand Music Month with 31 reasons to love New Zealand music. There is a different story for each day in May about the people, songs and issues that are part of New Zealand's musical heritage. These are a selection of random notes, not a definitive history of New Zealand music.  If they provoke any memories or ideas, please feel free to get in touch and add to the collection.