Music Commission News

Ever wanted to know more about the music industry – how it works, who to talk to, what you need, why things happen and where you should look for help?

Independent Music New Zealand’s Going Local events provide an opportunity to meet with industry professionals who can offer advice and knowledge that will help to answer some of those questions above! It is also a chance for us to get to know you and hear about your own sound and vision for the future.

Each Going Local session includes an hour long panel discussion featuring representatives from organisations such as the NZ Music Commission, IMNZ, NZ On Air, Recorded Music NZ, APRA AMCOS and for the first time this year, Girls Rock Aotearoa / To The Front are joining the hui! The panel discussion is generally open-ended – allowing ample opportunity to ask the participants about anything music related. It’s a great opportunity to get familiar with the different organisations that make up the music industry, and ask questions about what support is out there for budding musicians.

Following the panel discussion participants will get the chance to have a one to one 20min conversation with 2-3 Going Local delegates each – please register in advance via ticket type – but places are filling fast!

Independent Music New Zealand is proud to bring Going Local back to the South Island for a three date run. Check out the details below for information on event details and registration links.

Going Local Events are FREE to attend. Please register ASAP via the links below.

Going Local Christchurch 2026
WEDNESDAY MAY 20th 2026 @ Space Academy, Christchurch – Register HERE

Going Local Christchurch 2026 Speakers:
Rachel Ashby – Capability Programmes Co-ordinator, NZ Music Commission
Dylan Pellett – General Manager, Independent Music NZ
Jeff Newton – Music Platforms and Māori Funding Advisor, NZ On Air Music
Dean Cameron – Director, Member Services and Distribution, Recorded Music NZ
Mike Hall – Director, Member Operations – APRA AMCOS
Eliana Gray – Girls Rock Aotearoa / To The Front

Going Local Dunedin 2026
THURSDAY MAY 21st @ South Link Productions, Dunedin – Register HERE

Going Local Dunedin 2026 Speakers:
Cath Andersen – Chief Executive, NZ Music Commission
Dylan Pellett – General Manager, Independent Music NZ
Casey Yeoh – Music Funding Advisor, NZ On Air Music
Dean Cameron – Director, Member Services and Distribution, Recorded Music NZ
Mike Hall – Director Member Services, APRA AMCOS
Eliana Gray – Girls Rock Aotearoa / To The Front

Going Local Gore 2026
SATURDAY MAY 23rd, 2026 @ Hokonui Rumania, Gore – Register HERE

Going Local Gore 2026 Speakers:
Pippa Ryan-Kidd – Chair, IMNZ/Artist Manager
Jessica Bailey – Education Manager, NZ Music Commission
Teresa Patterson – Head of Music, NZ On Air
Dean Cameron – Director, Member Services and Distribution, Recorded Music NZ
Pennie Black – Director, Concord Music Publishing
With special guest, Mikhal Norris from iHeart Country