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🇳🇿 New Zealand /Culture & Society

Pacific Music Awards thriving on stage, struggling behind the scenes

From RNZ Pacific · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Pacific Music Awards celebrated its 22nd year but faces significant financial struggles, according to organizers.
  • RnB artist Sam V criticized the government's arts funding levels during his acceptance speech, questioning its commitment.
  • Minister Paul Goldsmith defended the government's investment, stating $1.7 billion is allocated over four years, while acknowledging the need to manage national finances.

The Pacific Music Awards (PMAs), a long-standing celebration of Pasifika musical talent in New Zealand, marked its 22nd anniversary this year amidst growing financial difficulties. While the event successfully honored artists like Sam V, who secured his fifth consecutive best Pacific Soul/RnB award, organizers revealed the significant strain behind the scenes.

Mr Paul (Goldsmith) from National, you mentioned that our government is investing in the arts, I mean it's good lip service but if that's the case then the PMAs struggling don't exist.

— Sam VDuring his acceptance speech for the best Pacific Soul/RnB award, criticizing the government's arts funding.

During his acceptance speech, Sam V directly addressed Minister Paul Goldsmith, who was present, challenging the government's claims of arts investment. "If that's the case then the PMAs struggling don't exist," he stated, drawing a parallel with the billions spent on the defense force. He argued that similar financial commitment should be directed towards celebrating cultural excellence.

Minister Goldsmith, however, disagreed with the artist's characterization. In a statement, he emphasized the government's focus on fiscal responsibility, citing necessary baseline savings across ministries. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to the arts sector, noting an investment of $1.7 billion over four years.

I'm pretty sure if we can put billions in our defence force then we can keep celebrating Pacific excellence.

— Sam VComparing government spending on defense to arts funding during his award acceptance speech.

Despite these assurances, the Pacific Music Awards Trust is finding it increasingly precarious to sustain the event. Trustee Petrina Togi-Sa'ena described their situation as "trying to survive and keep the event alive," resorting to public donation appeals starting from $10. While the awards receive funding from various government agencies like Creative New Zealand and NZ on Air, with NZ on Air increasing its contribution, the funds primarily cover production costs, forcing cutbacks on artist travel and guest catering. The trust has secured new sponsors, but the overall financial reality remains challenging.

as trying to survive and keep the event alive

— Petrina Togi-Sa'enaDescribing the financial precariousness of running the Pacific Music Awards.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RNZ Pacific. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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