Background papers for the 1999
Manawatu Employment SummitSupport for the Green Ribbon Trust
Notes prepared by John Thornley, from Green Ribbon Trust material supplied via Pryde Recording Studio, 152 to 156 The Square, Palmerston North
John Thornley, Executive Officer of the PN Community Services Council, gives Songpoetry presentations on popular music topics, and is publisher/editor of the bi-annual journal, Music in the Air, exploring Song and Spirituality in Aotearoa, Australia and the Pacific. Current and back copies of the journal are found in the local PN City Library. For further information, phone John on 3569681 weekends.
What is the Green Ribbon Trust?
New Zealand has the lowest levels of local content of media in the developed world. The Green Ribbon Trust, a non-profit organisation representing television, radio, music and film industry bodies and creative individuals nation-wide is calling for that to change.
What is the Trust Asking For?
The Green Ribbon campaign is asking for an achievable level of local content with particular emphasis on children and young people. We are calling for 30% on television (already in the 20's), plus a level of 10% New Zealand music on radio (currently 8%) initially, rising to 20%.
What Are Our Statistics Compared to Countries Overseas?
In Australia a quota of 25% for local music means that one in five CDs purchased is by an Australian artist. In NZ one in twenty CDs purchased is by a NZ artist.
Quotas are imposed for local material in Ireland, France (30% is the figure here), Canada, and Britain.
On NZ radio we hear only around 8% NZ music, and on TV we see very little music from NZ. This is one reason why New Zealanders don't spend money on NZ music.
Why Is Local Content Important?
As agriculture and traditional manufacturing are becoming less important for future employment, the information industries and intellectual property sectors are providing the new jobs. There is a strong economic reason for fostering culture, and compulsory quotas will clearly help to encourage this development.
What Can I Do To Help?
Join the Green Ribbon Trust, and receive copies of the Green Ribbon Chronicle, invites to Green Ribbon functions, updates on the campaign, and a free green ribbon and postcard:
Post $10(individual) or $50(organisation) to The Treasurer, Green Ribbon Trust, PO Box 6315, Auckland.
www.wairaka.net/ubinz/IR/1999summit/employ07a.html