The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand is merging with PPNZ Music Licensing, in order to streamline both organisations' activities.
The new body is called Recorded Music NZ, with APRA licensing manager Damian Vaughan taking on the chief executive role and current RIANZ managing director Chris Caddick chairing the new board.
Previously, RIANZ represented the music labels and campaigned on copyright issues, such as illegal downloading. PPNZ collected public performance and broadcasting fees on behalf of artists and record labels.
"Having the licensing and industry representation activities previously in two different organisations created some confusion and inefficiency," says Mr Vaughan.
"Under the new structure, we can be really clear about all the services we offer to the recording artists and labels we represent and also more clearly engage with the music-buying public."
Recorded Music NZ will be divided into three key areas – member services, which includes running events like the Vodafone NZ Music Awards and the Top 40 chart; music licensing, which will continue to operate under the PPNZ banner; and pro-music, which will take over copyright issues and education.
The new organisation will be structured as a limited liability company, with a board of six directors – a chair, three directors appointed by 'threshold' shareholders, one independent director and an artist representative, appointed by independent shareholders, the first of which will be Auckland singer-songwriter Jan Hellriegel.
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