Music Commission News

At the end of last year, the Music Commission said farewell to it’s long-standing Chair, Victoria Blood MNZM.

Retiring in December after a tenure stretching over ten years, Victoria became Chair in 2013 and has steered the organisation through times of change, a hugely impactful pandemic and resulting NZ Music COVID Recovery Programme, many Ministers of Arts, Culture and Heritage and the extraordinary growth of music from Aotearoa both at home and on the world stage. Her career and work with the Music Commission was recognised in June 2023 with a citation to become a Member of the NZ Order of Merit.

Victoria has been a tireless advocate for enhancing the global potential of New Zealand’s music sector and providing opportunities for emerging professionals and artists from across Aotearoa.

Victoria said “It has been a huge pleasure for me to work with the incredible Cath, her team, and the Board, over what’s been a challenging decade at times. The Music Commission does such vital work to help give NZ artists and music the best possible chance of achieving their dreams, at home and around the world – and it’s been thrilling to see so many new careers take off. I’ve learned so much, met some super-inspiring people, and I feel very fortunate to have been able to contribute. I’ll miss everyone very much, but the Commission will be in fantastic hands with Greg and Wairere.”

Since April 2022, Victoria has been sharing the position as Co-Chair with Greg Bonnett, who is a dedicated music fan with an extensive career in Corporate and Commercial Banking. Greg leads BNZ’s professional services growth sector strategy across New Zealand and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.

Greg was unanimously elected as the incoming Chair of the Music Commission, and will be supported by the new Deputy Chair – Wairere Iti, a Kaitiaki of the Māori Music Industry Coalition.

Victoria will continue to be involved in the creative sector as Leader of WeCreate, the national alliance of creative industries, and as member of the NZ Story Advisory Board. The Music Commission Board and staff want to acknowledge Victoria’s indefatigable enthusiasm and astute leadership, which has been crucial over the past decade. We sincerely thank Victoria for the incredible contribution she has made to our organisation.