Distribution Policy update – change regarding international / offshore rights holdersJune 24, 2026

Following on from our update of 24 March we have made a further change to our Distribution Policy to reflect the continued rollout of our new data and distribution system.

As of 1 January 2026, Recorded Music NZ has accepted direct registrations from international / offshore record companies or agents who meet certain criteria. We had initially considered as part of our criteria whether these parties would have been allocated NZD $20,000 or more in the previous financial year’s distribution had they already been registered directly with Recorded Music. However, we are now lowering this threshold to NZD $5,000.

The policy change reflects the capacity of our new data and distribution system (which connects directly to the PPL database), improves efficiency and transparency and aligns more closely with global practice.

As with our previous position, applicants still need to have repertoire registered in RDx or in the PPL repertoire database showing they control sound recordings for New Zealand and we will not be accepting direct registrations from international MLCs.

Full details are set out in Section 6 and Section 7 of the Distribution Policy

As previously noted, we expect to make further updates to the Distribution Policy during 2026 as we continue to refine the operation of our new data and distribution system.

Please direct any pātai to memberservices@recordedmusic.co.nz