KEY POINTS:
Labour MP Winnie Laban goes to the top of the class this month, after scoring 98 per cent in fellow MP Judith Tizard's annual Zealand Music Month quiz.
Ms Tizard, the Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, challenged ministers to take the 25-question quiz to support New Zealand music.
Today, it was revealed Ms Laban pipped NZ First MPs Ron Mark and Doug Woolerton and Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton by just half a per cent to win first place.
The questions covered topics from across the musical spectrum.
Participants were asked to name the two New Zealand artists who performed at the New Zealand Memorial Dedication in London in 2006; which New Zealand band won the Smokefree Rockquest in 2000; and which anniversary the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra celebrated this year.
Ms Tizard said most of the participants had sought help from staff, families and friends.
"... but whether they already knew the answers, asked around or did their research, I'm pleased that my colleagues took such an interest," Ms Tizard said.
She said New Zealand music had "well and truly arrived".
In 2001, only 6 per cent of album sales for New Zealand Music Month were by New Zealand acts - that had grown to around 20 per cent now.
Creative industries formed a "vital plank in growing an innovative New Zealand," she said.
- NZPA
