Media Statement music - 1 October 22, 2003

Response to the media statement by Hon. Judith Tizard regarding the new law that addresses parallel importing and piracy in the creative industries

From: The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand

Music industry applauds anti-piracy legislation

The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) is pleased to see changes made to legislation that will help deter copyright piracy.

The changes shift the onus of proof of legitimacy on to the importer of digital recordings, including music CDs.

In practice this will prove invaluable in stemming the flow of counterfeit material across New Zealand's territorial border.

Currently New Zealand Customs are active in apprehending the flow of counterfeit CDs, especially from Pakistan. It is our experience that when a shipment is withheld by customs, the importer usually quickly surrenders the consignments to the Crown.

This new law will make Customs' task that much easier and the service's hard-working members need to be applauded for the efficient way in which they operate.

In the main most of the counterfeit material from Pakistan comes as repertoire recordings and DVDs of late release 'Bollywood Films'. It is time to stop the practice of distributing this infringing material throughout New Zealand.

The New Zealand music industry would have appreciated the Government's parallel window as it applies to DVDs to apply also to music CDs. We are pleased to note that this possibility remains under review.

Terence O'Neill-Joyce, CEO Recording Industry Association of New Zealand

Issued by Pead PR for the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand

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