Dame Lynda Topp Criticizes NZ Government Arts Funding at Aotearoa Music Awards
Last Thursday, Dame Lynda Topp addressed the Aotearoa Music Awards with a seven-minute speech advocating for greater funding for the arts, using explicit language that garnered significant media attention. This address coincided with budget day, which resulted in reductions to arts funding. According to Creative New Zealand CEO Gretchen La Roche, baseline funding has remained stagnant for nearly two decades, with the government contributing roughly $16.3 million each year. The article suggests that New Zealand's right-wing administrations, influenced by neoliberal ideals, perceive the arts as market-oriented rather than a public asset. Additionally, it notes that arts and culture do not appear among the top 20 concerns for voters, as per the Ipsos Issues Monitor. The summary also reports that Marlon Williams received several awards at the AMAs, 95bFM is moving to Karangahape Road, the NZ Art Show achieved over $1.5 million in sales, Scorpio Books celebrates its 50th anniversary, Q Theatre announced nine new productions, the shortlist for the inaugural Te Pae Tawhiti Speculative Fiction Awards was revealed, Brittany Walker Smith won the Collin Post Sculpture Award for her steel banana peel sculpture, Rafael Hosking was named the 2026 Emerging Composer for At the World’s End, four young musicians were recognized as AWE Emerging Artists, and four student writers received NZSA Youth Mentorships.
Key facts
- Dame Lynda Topp spoke at the Aotearoa Music Awards on budget day, requesting more arts funding.
- The budget included cuts to arts funding.
- Creative New Zealand's baseline funding has not increased since 2006.
- The government contributes about $16.3 million annually to CNZ.
- CNZ can support as low as 6% of contestable funding applications.
- Marlon Williams won Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Best Solo Artist, and a Charts Number One award.
- 95bFM will relocate to Karangahape Road by 31 July.
- The NZ Art Show generated over $1.5 million in sales with 15,000 visitors.
- Scorpio Books in Christchurch celebrates 50 years.
- Q Theatre announced nine new productions for Q Season Support.
- Te Pae Tawhiti Speculative Fiction Awards shortlist announced.
- Brittany Walker Smith won the Collin Post Sculpture Award for a steel banana peel sculpture.
- Rafael Hosking is the 2026 Emerging Composer for At the World’s End.
- Four young musicians named AWE Emerging Artists: Esther Oh, Solace Ward, Boudewijn Keenan, Hana Tani.
- Four student writers awarded NZSA Youth Mentorships: Dorothy Baricuatro, Payton Blackburn, Meisha Rose Kitto, Bleys Robertson.
Entities
Artists
- Dame Lynda Topp
- Marlon Williams
- Lorde
- Balu Brigada
- Stan Walker
- TAWAZ
- Te Wehi
- Alien Weaponry
- Caru & Brandn Shiraz
- MOKOMOKAI
- MĀ
- The Beths
- Brittany Walker Smith
- Rafael Hosking
- Michael Norris
- Esther Oh
- Solace Ward
- Boudewijn Keenan
- Hana Tani
- Dorothy Baricuatro
- Payton Blackburn
- Meisha Rose Kitto
- Bleys Robertson
- Catherine Chidgey
- Alex Lodge
- Judy L Mohr
- A. Zaykova
- Susan Brocker
- Shara Curlett
- Robinne L Weiss
- Sonya Wilson
- Rachael Craw
- Heather McQuillan
- Janna Ruth
- Joseph Bonnett
- Andi Buchanan
- Jack Ramiel Cottrell
- Marie Hodgkinson
- Michael Botur
- Lee Murray
- Douglas Perenara Johnston
- Rem Wigmore
- Anne Wilkins
- Sue Glamuzina
- Kirsten McGavin
- Dave Jeffery
- Hira Nathan
- Dani Kionasina
- Matthew Galloway
- Genista Jurgens
Institutions
- Aotearoa Music Awards
- Radio New Zealand
- Stuff
- The Herald
- 1news
- The Spinoff
- The Listener
- Creative New Zealand
- New Zealand Lottery Grants Board
- Ipsos
- 95bFM
- NZ Art Show
- Scorpio Books
- Q Theatre
- Te Pae Tawhiti Speculative Fiction Awards
- Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts
- Hamilton Book Month
- Elam School of Fine Arts
- University of Auckland
- UAP (Urban Art Projects)
- Longveld
- At the World’s End
- New Zealand School of Music
- Te Kōkī
- AWE Emerging Artist Mentoring Pathway
- NZ Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa
- Trinity Catholic College
- South Westland Area School
- Dunstan High School
- Mairehau High School
- The Big Idea
- Ministry of Social Development
- Ministry of Disabled People
- Public Service Commission
Locations
- New Zealand
- Aotearoa
- Karangahape Road
- Auckland
- Wellington
- Christchurch
- Fendalton Road
- Hamilton
- Brisbane
- Australia
- Ōtepoti
- HariHari
- Otago
- Ōtautahi
- Venice
- Italy
- United Kingdom