KEY POINTS:
Veteran Kiwi musician Ray Columbus has come to the defence of the prime minister after Neil Finn launched an attack on her over her involvement in NZ music.
This has sparked a passionate Your Views debate below among nzherald.co.nz readers.
This forum debate has now closed. Here is a selection of your views on the topic.
Wayne
Having never been a fan of Neil Finn or any of his entourage, I still find it galling that he takes such a cheap shot at the PM for her participation in these particular awards. I doubt she actually seeks to be part of such events, so would only be there by invitation - hardly the situation Mr Finn portrays. For the first time in New Zealand political history we at last have a PM and government who actually contribute "our money" into something that doesn't always smell of sport. Try being a little less mean-spirited Mr Finn and a little more gracious in your comments. You might find you gain one or two additional supporters!
Auckland
If Neil Finn wants to be the elder statesman of NZ music, he should start acting like a statesman. His remarks were way out of line, and what is his problem anyway. We should be thankful we have a Prime Minister who takes an interest in the arts and music. many other countries would love to be able to say that about their musically challenged PM. I didn't see her as taking credit, but coming out in support which is a great thing. Such moaning. How does this rate front page news anyway. Good grief!
Mary O (Cleveland, OH, USA)
There are so many other real intense problems in our world. Do we all really need to get heated up about "He said, She said"? No one can claim any glory for the music / lyrics and success of any artist, be it my beloved Finn Brothers, Nick, our gone friend Paul Hester, John, Paul, George and Ringo or any other artist you might care to add to the mix, other than the artists themselves. Few are looking for glory. These men (and women, though not mentioned by name in this note) have shared their talents and insights and genius with the rest of the world. Those who have sought glory will no doubt die alone. Those who have sought to give and share a piece of our everyday lives (by shamelessly sharing their own)know who they are and desire nothing other than knowing that they have touched (and will continue to) touch lives. Get over it. Drop it, and let the music play.
Patrick
Neil Finn: he's Australian, isn't he? "Four Seasons in One Day" is about Sydney, not Auckland. When it comes to National's cutting "low quality spending", the arts will be top of the list for the chop. We have benefited so much under Labour from Helen Clark's personal interest. I guess that it's OK to bit the hand that fed you, after you have made it big.
Australia
Just for the sake of clarity, I don't think we should be wallowing in a narrative of 'bludging musician wasting my taxes'. NZOA and the Music Industry Commission fund artists through public private partnerships. This means the artist or their label has to bring the equivalent amount of cash to the state funded project. As they say in Wellington, those who get state funding (be it Rakon or the Feelers) have to 'leave some skin in the game'. The kiwi musicians I know all work; often in those high wage industries such as catering and warehousing. They are committed to making music and make sacrifices, like most people.Sure NZOA has a bias to funding commercial artists -it is in the broadcasting business - which is also determined by radio formats. But as any artist who has had a hit song on radio will tell you, that is where the money is made, not through CD sales. So good on NZOA for trying to create opportunities for (some) musicians to make some cash.
Ken
Tom Cruise was cool in Top Gun and Cocktail, his religious views are whack and he now uses his position to promote them. Neil Finn was cool in Split Enz and Crowded House, his political views are whack and he now uses his position to promote them.
Edward Ethrington
Maybe it's because Neil (and Tim's) stodgy records from the past few years failed to ignite - is this just sour eggs and maybe signals the Enz of the Enz. 'Neveragenzo'...Crowded Who?
Calgary, Canada
I am a New Zealander living in Canada, and the only time I ever hear NZ music is on my iPod. Anyone that believes NZ music is making big waves internationally is deluded. Canadians, for example, know only of Split Enz...still.
Dave, Auckland
Neil Finn is grandstanding on this one...why should we bow to him as if his opinion speaks for everyone? Others tag along just because he's Neil Finn. Helen does a promo job at these events, she has chosen to take an interest in NZ music, and by showing that explicitly she sends a clear message that she means business. It the action that counts---it speaks volumes. People who criticise don't really get it. She is our prime minister you know, she is showing her support for the music industry.
Mangere
The prime minister, in her role, endorses many things and one such body is the music industry. I applaud Helen Clark for having the guts to put herself in harms way and in doing so opening herself up to criticism everyday. I ask do any of us do that willingly? I assert not.
Tom Drummond
I suspect that Finn is correct. Helen Clark would do very little for nothing. She is the consummate politician who never misses an opportunity to get publicity for her self-promotion. She would rival TVNZ for managing image over substance.
Brendan Kay
Only market forces should dictate the sale of New Zealand music . If I like it I will buy it - simple as that .
Finngirl (Transit lounge)
Kudos to you Neil. I have always had total respect for you having the balls to say it like it is
Simon James
I'm afraid people that Split Enz were, like Crowded House, World famous in Australasia only. Having heard only passing references to them in
the UK (via the New Zealand Media), on returning to these fair shores
I heard Mr Finn singing and couldn't help thinking I was listening to a
John Lennon clone. What I have noticed though is that there is now a much maligned charter that requires exposure to local music and I believe that the current minister for the Arts must take some credit for that. Is it Helen Clark and the parties that don't want to sell NZ out to the multi-nationals that deserve credit.
Chch
Of course our Helen should take credit for our Music Industry! I'm sure she will also single handedly save our planet because she doesn't use her heated towel rail anymore...:-)
Ronaldo Xavier
Quote "Former pop-singers should keep their opinions private and should not be heeded within a political context.". whereas you've been free to express your opinion on any matter given an opportunity by nzherald?! I think everyone should have the right/freedom to give an honest answer where asked. Dont start making rules about who can say what and where, you'll find yourself contradicted by your own ineptitude. Moreover, who here really knows how things are really done in the music business? Nobody? maybe he's got a point y'all really have no idea- and now cue everyone jumping on the bandwagon of disapproval. Go sheep!
Monsta, Valencia
It is better to be quiet, and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and prove it, Neil. I am cringing from as far away as Valencia.
Chris, Invercargill
Former pop-singers should keep their opinions private and should not be heeded within a political context. Mr. Finn has resided in Australia for quite some time and should perhaps return there if New Zealand is not to his liking. Helen Clark has done a lot to promote arts and music within New Zealand and while positive criticism is of course needed the remarks of Mr. Finn reveal a lack of empathy and understanding with what has been taking place in New Zealand since his days in the limelight.
Vince Jefferson
Like the Caesars of Rome, Helen is only too willing to be associated with popular culture. However her days of chariot racing are over, and she will have to face up to the music of her own citizens - thumbs down.
Finngirl, (Transit lounge)
If people are going to attack Neil with verbal diarrhea, they should at least get their facts straight first
Ratwoman
Neil, you always take the weather with you.
Mr Poe, London
Neil needs to understand that our Glorious Leader, Helen, her Glorious Sidekick - Michael and the Great Party are responsible for all NZ's business, sporting and cultural achievements for the last 100 years.
Our Glorious Leader's only peer internationally in terms of all round achievement is Kim Jong Il, who has scored hundreds of holes in one in golf, written scores of pop songs and operas, and has fed his glorious nation of North Korea. If Neil does not understand this Great Truth, he will be vilified like the one-eyed man in the kingdom of the blind, and must either move away to Sydney or be blinded hinmself.
Trish Coyle (Phoenix, AZ)
I am disappointed in Neil Finn. Last week I met him in Tempe (Phoenix) Arizona prior to his kick off concert here ahead of Coachella. The concert was marvellous, of course. Mr Finn is a fine musician whose cerebral brand of popular music has earned him a huge and diverse fan base as well as a place in the history of New Zealand music. It seems to me that the Helen (damned if she does and damned if she doesn't) Clark and the incumbent administration have done much for music and all the arts in New Zealand. At the very least, a great deal more than previous administrations. As an Arts Administrator I view the New Zealand scene with envy from the cultural desert in which I have been living for the past few years. Good on Ray Columbus for his stance.
Paul (Sydney)
Geez there are a lot of narks in NZ. The barbs being thrown at Finn are a disgrace. If he were an Aussie he would have been proclaimed a 'National living Treasure' by now.
Nick
The comment is uncalled for and unfair. But I have to say that Kiwi music is not worth the CD that its recorded on! Apart from Neil Finn and a few others many NZ groups and singers are a joke and will never make it anywhere not even in a Solomon Island bar! So in a sense any taxpayer funding to improve things is like throwing money away into a deep dark hole!
Ray Columbus OBE,CM (Matakana)
First of all I am and always have been apolitical.I've never belonged to any party..though I have numbered a few Prime Ministers as friends or acquaintances. I disagree with Neil..sadly.I have appealed to our leaders in New Zealand to support Kiwi Music going back to Keith Holyoake in the '60's...that's 9(correct me if I'm wrong) including the Rt.Hon.Helen Clark.
They indulged me, gave me time at the Beehive or in VIP rooms or dining tables of events or Koru Lounges etal. Some of them rolled their eyes when I approached them..they knew what was coming...'support Kiwi Music
..the flowon effects will be huge..The export potential is up there with dairy and lamb..but mostly it will give our youth something cultural to be proud of'...some kids can't/won't be All Blacks,Silver Ferns,All Whites or Kiwis etc...but they can excel in music,songwriting..yes! in Rock 'n Roll.'...bored them to tears..
I'd quote the success of The Beatles for the UK,ABBA for Sweden 'bigger earner then Volvo!' Even when I had some official power as Chairman of The Projects Committee on the QE11 Arts Council for 8 years,under the proactive Chair of Hamish Keith(who by the way supported my verbal plea on behalf of Split Enz to a grant of $5,000 to give them time to workout what their next move would be in London..when they were passed over for Blondie by their Label..he moved it from the Chair of main council to a unanimous yes).It was heralded in Parliament and most media as a
great thing to do with taxpayers' money! Needless to say I pounced on the PR opportunity to visit the Minister for the Arts at the time Hon.Allen Highet..who as always was supportive but didn't have the power to help with especially ,the minimum quotas of Kiwi music on radio...but he did encourage me to work on it.
So,with music advisory officer Brendan Smythe in full support..we started working on our master plan..most of which is now history. In short, we setup demonstration recording schemes for original songs(the first was Ardijah's debut hit single) in a joint venture with the APRA Music Committee(I was also a member of same) and many oneoff projects approved by the Board. Brendan of course went on to become the force for Kiwi Music in the soon to be nzonair, bless his cotton sox.
I resigned from QE11 after 8 years to try and save my first marriage(too late),was villified as "Mr.Quotas" by Radio and Multi-national record Companies alike.I ,canned my own record contract with RCA.
Karen Hay,always a champion for Kiwi Music carried on the battle,followed eventually by Arthur Baysting,another battler for the cause,by that time I was NZ Writer/Director on the Board of APRA. Then along came Helen...the only PM to ever get it! The only Minister for The Arts who had the power to change things..and she did. She's The Minister of Rock 'n Roll in my book. God help Kiwi Music when she retires! Her successor as Labour leader will hopefully,keep the faith. If National gets in next, then John Key needs to be lobbied now! Kiwi Music needs the assurance of a long train running that the RT Hon.Helen Clark started..
In my book she can take as much credit as she likes!...for my two bucks worth she should be inducted into the new ROCKONZ Hall
Of Fame in Christchurch. We are the envy of many countries,especially Australia! Only Ireland gets more support. I was so proud when Neil and Tim Finn came back to settle here it adds so much value to our music scene. But sorry Neil I can't agree with your stance on this one. Cheers In Kiwi Music, Ray
Clare
Helen Clark attending awards ceremonies is no different than a school principal attending music concerts or sports games. Her job is to support the talent in this country and the marked increase in NZ music on the radio and in the consciousness of young New Zealander's is a testament to her vision for the arts. As far as I'm aware, Ms Clark has never tried to claim personal responsibility for the successes of NZ artists and Mr Finn should really try to show a little respect for someone who is doing her best to support young people trying to 'make it' in a challenging industry.
Gavin (Whangaparaoa)
The Prime Minister does have a tendency to put her name to things in which she has little knowledge or contact with. If any musician, singer or band makes it to the top it certainly is not because the Prime Minister put a few dollars their way. Talent is the only thing that can do that. Neil Finn has loads of that and has done so much good for the music industry in New Zealand and indeed world-wide and in my opinion is right with his criticism and good on him for making his opinion known.
Markauk
Who cares what Helen says. She never listens to us anyway. I think she's trying to ride the success of NZ music like Ronald Raegan was during Bruce Springsteen's BITUSA tour back in 1984-85
Auckland 2
I totally agree with Susan D, Lower Hutt - rock on.
Music lover
Helen Clark has done as much or more for New Zealand music as any other Prime Minister we've had. When we consider things like the number of our musicians overseas etc, it might help to remember that the number of famous musicians we have is proportional to our small size. In fact, we probably do better than our country with its small population should! It's also not just pop/rock etc music that is doing well. Classical music is as well - the NZ Secondary Students Choir won the equivalent of the Olympic Games for choirs last year. We should be grateful for what we have, rather than whining about the PM taking too much credit for our music industry. Get over it!
Howee (Auckland)
If Ms Clark has done anything positive musically,it would be playing the flute, as we blindly follow her Pied Piper style, toward economic and social ruin. Good on you Neil Finn your comments are most timely.
Andrew (Wellington)
All the PM has tried to do is encourage musicians - to make music, by pouring money into that sector. What's wrong with that? I mean it sucks if bands don't make it internationally, but with nearly 30 per cent of our local record sales now being NZ bands, compared to 6 per cent in 1999 (when Helen became PM)isn't that a good thing? I think its great that Kiwis are listening more and more to Kiwi music, but not all bands are going to have A song make the US top 5. It should be remembered also that we only see a tiny portion of UK and US releases - not everyone is going to crack the big time, but I think its great we have a PM who supports our bands, artists etc all the same.
Luke
We are all just moaning about nothing here. As Jane Campion said, New Zealand's biggest export is the moral high-ground. Let's get over ourselves.As a sponsor of New Zealand art and music, any prime minister will show up and try and win friends at an event like this. When I was growing up, music people were complaining bitterly about the shameful lack of government support. Now that the industry has a measure of state funding and is less of a leaky boat than before, there's one constant that remains. They are still complaining. Everyone relax. Put a CD on.
Sonia
I think Neil Finn has totally missed the point, and possibly looking for a way to make a cheap and arrogant swipe at Helen Clark and the NZ music industry in general. It was only a few years back that it was extremely rare to hear any New Zealand music on the radio – It was all international acts and the "New Zealand Music sucks" attitude was rife. Turn on the radio or C4 now and I would estimate at least 30 per cent of the music is from New Zealand – if Mr Finn does not consider the hugely increased popularity of New Zealand music in New Zealand important, he really has lost touch with this country. The NZ music industry has never been about having huge international success – It is about kiwis making music for kiwis, it is about the love of music. And Helen Clark really has made a contribution to this success through her funding and support of the Arts industries – look how the popularity and quality of NZ music, film and other arts has increased significantly during the time she has been Prime Minister.
Kerry
Couldn't agree with you more Neil.....well done.
Mildkiwi (Auckland)
Helen Clark is just like every other kiwi that takes credit for what individuals achieve - its coming up to election year, so get used to it, she will be out there in force. But Kiwis continually take credit for the 'greatness' of a lot of our countrymen - without ever giving them any real support - but we are also very quick to point out how pathetic they are when they fail. Get over yourselves Kiwis and take action about some real issues - get rid of the politicians that don't manage our country well, support the music industry when its warranted and support any other industry or sports person or kiwi - when its warranted - but don't put them down unless you stood up and gave them a hand....
Greg
We should be grateful to Helen for being in the limelight at these events and redistributing our tax money to worthwhile causes. Its a wonder she has the time
Ian
Why is anyone surprised at N Finn's latest rantings ? He obviously has a gripe against the PM, only known to himself as this is not the first time he has taken a swipe at her. It sounds like the "tall poppy syndrome to me"! It was her government that promoted and encouraged NZ music to be played on our airwaves more often, and whether this music gets acclaim overseas or not, it seems to be having a lot of success here in NZ. NZ music will not succeed here, if it is not played here (logical!!) If N Finn does not like the PM, then I suggest he doesn't bother coming home and leaves NZ to those that appreciate the local success of the NZ music industry !
Keith Cook
Who gives a toss, the money is there where it once was not, regardless who gets it. Is there not a lot more air time for NZ acts in NZ, if we are not creating waves overseas so what.. time to grow... Finns got a short memory, how long did it take him. There are millions of very good artists on this planet who said we had automatic right to the vacant spots. Is it money that creates talent, is it the music industry.. perhaps hard work, what about good material, what about talent. There are talented people who are not 'success'. Crowded House-type stories but fine working musicians. This is all part of growing the industry and the arts for people, you and me. Clark may help to give it a higher profile..along with Finn. Perhaps the stage is not big enough for the two of them.
Tangent
I agree with Marty. Until NZ On Air gets some guts and starts funding music that is actually interesting (ie: not a lame American rip-off), most of the NZ music that makes it to video will continue to be uninspiring pap. There is great music out there, it just doesn't get heard.
Dizrythmia
I respect Neil Finn as a musician, entertainer and musical ambassador for NZ. I also respect Helen Clark, she's got approx 3-4 million people to keep happy, and a large proportion of them will never be happy - no matter what political party they represent. In my albeit amateurish view of this subject, I can only say that Helen seems to be trying to get the "arts" in NZ a decent deal. More funding for all aspects of the arts, not just music and certainly doesn't take the credit as some great personal achievement. Chill, Neil. All that emotion would be far better directed at what you do best - writing great music.
Brent
Well, all I can say is Neil seems qualified to make that observation - if anyone should know he should.
Harvey(Wellington)
It's bit rich of Mr Finn, who has spent the last 10 years whining about the lack of government support for NZ music (and especially his own hobby-horse of a a fully-taxpayer funded youth station), to then attack the politician who has - rightly or wrongly - greatly increased government support for NZ music. He attacks Helen for attending events to which she is invited! That's fair - if she didn't attend, he'd probably attack her. And then he blames her for the very positive reception she always gets! I struggle to see how she should be blamed for some people liking her.
Phil H (Auckland)
Why, oh why ,do so many "artists" think that the world owes them a living ? Neil Finn sounds like a spoilt child; hitting out because he thinks he deserves a bigger piece of cake. Reality check Neil.As you sow,you will reap. You are the author of your own destiny, not Helen, not us.
Steve Chapman
It is the remarks of a lad from a country farming area? Get a grip Finn musoes are lucky to have her as an aid.
Barry Baines
Neil Finn's comments seem relevant. Having watched the Prime Minister on several occasions it seems to me that if there is something good happening, new school, promotion or something similar the PM appears and comments. But if there is a problem or difficult issue the relevant Minister gets the opportunity to front up. This has happened regularly ever since she became PM.
Arron
Finn is right. You can't seem to go to any event or watch any awards ceremony without seeing the PM's mug up there on stage trying to capture some of the glory and improve her image with young, impressionable voters. And he is also right about the state of NZ music. The Feelers are the only real class rock act we have had since Dragon (although Hello Sailor had potential if they could only write some new material), and if they ever crack it overseas it won't be due to our "Robin Hood" government stealing our money to give them hand outs. The true musicians out there will make it out of desire and talent, not by being mollycoddled by our nanny state government.
Matt Pilott
Regardless of the musical merits (or lack thereof) of Mr Finn, and his birthplace, his comments are more than a little unwarranted. I can't recall Miss Clark taking persona credit for NZ Music, or the LOTR production, or anything similar. What she has taken credit for is the greater exposure and funding within NZ. Because she's created greater exposure and given more funding in NZ. What's the problem? As taxpayers, and stakeholders in the democratic process, we expect to get something back from politicians. Few of us go out there looking for what we've got, so why act surprised (or offended, as Mr Finn has)when we're actively informed about what a Party/Politician has been doing.
Pdm
It is better Clark meddles in the music industry affecting very few people than in our homes as per the Smacking Bill etc.
Bill
Can someone point me in the direction of where it has been reported that Helen Clark has claimed all the kudos for the success of the New Zealand music industry? Or is this just another case of someone mouthing off without any sort of substance.
Finatic
Good on you Mr Finn. Good to see one of our icons taking a stand and speaking out. Like all politicians, Ms Clark is quick to take the accolades for anything positive (regardless of whether or not she played a part), but quick to point the finger elsewhere when there's a 'problem'.Can't trust them as far as you can kick them!
Matt in Netherlands
I'm a huge music buff, I actually left NZ some 12 years ago because the music scene in NZ was so dire. I was pleasantly suprised recently when I listened to some kiwi music internet radio for a day, there is some pretty dynamic, new and groovy music coming out of NZ at the moment which is great to see, however, I'd have to say kiwi's certainly aren't making many waves overseas. I see on average about 30+ gigs a year, all sorts of genres, bands from all over the world play here all the time. I would have to say there has been barely a handful of kiwi acts over here in the last 10 years. Whenever I have heard about NZ's latest sensation from the papers or mates, I have given them a listen, and unfortunately, there just not often anywhere near world class. While you certainly have more bands through funding, I doubt that's going to find the next Beatles anytime soon.
Rubarb, Auckland
The majority of comments here reflect the contributor's absolute political naivety. If you think politicians ever do anything for altruistic reasons, then you're not really qualified to enter into an intelligent debate. It's this kind of blind, sheep-like behavior that lets governments do what they like unchecked. It's hard to believe sometimes just how apolitical and apathetic most people are.
Steve
Get over It. If there its a free event, and its her hobby horse. You get Helen.Unless of course there is an opportunity to for her to travel.
Aftermath
Good on ya Neil Finn. Helen is just a show pony that needs to be brought down a few pegs, political this, political that. I will look good if I show up here there everywhere. If you want to make it in the music biz rely on yourself no one else, not cuddles or $$ from Helen Clark. Dawn Raid just fell ova - how much useless cash did Helen handova to them? Rely on yourself all you pampered musos.
Jamcam
Who cares about overseas success? When you listen to local radio you hear lots of Kiwi music now. That's what on air funding is all about. Good on you Helen but good luck Neil with restarting Crowded House. Don't blame Helen if it doesn't sell outside NZ.
Zpete
I agree with Mr Finn. Helen Clark, like her understudy Judith Tizard are well adapt at taking the kudos for achievements of others. Shame on both of them. Vector Arena most recent example.
Ex-pat in the USA.
Go N.Finn! 'Bout time someone stood up to the PM! NZ Music rocks, but the people doing the work should get the credit, not the Prime-Bloody-Minister.
Razor
Finally someone with the balls to tell it like it is. NZ music is great but lets be honest, the rest of the world doesn't care.
Ashley
Reading through the responses on this page I can only assume that the 'gravytrainers' have jumped online to protest, lest their access to the public trough be threatened! Finn is absolutely right. Clark and her incompetent Government have contributed nothing to the Music industry except a little 'feelgood noise'. While I'm all for initiatives that promote our developing sense of nationhood and culture - this shouldn't be taken as to mean that any monkey who can beat a drum or strum a guitar should automatically be accorded the status of 'artist'. Yet this is exactly what Clarks ridiculous policies have led us to. Whatever happened to 'talent'??
Raff Dellavaris
The glory of NZ music belongs to the artists and their crew, and those who have bought their music. If the PM's endorsing and celebrating NZ music leads to greater sales - then I am all for it. The PM does attend many Pacifica festivals and musical exhibitions I think, though I am not sure if the PM or her Govt is making any significant financial contributions to NZ music. If not, only the NZ artists and their major sponsors need to accept the credit while thanking and congratulating their many supporters who bought their album.
Brad (Auckland)
Perhaps Mr Finn should get some perspective outside the narrow pop-music world he lives in and look at how well NZ musicians are doing in genres that dont get as much "paparrazzi-publicity" as the paint-by-numbers style music that he is so well known for. People like Concord Dawn, Nathan Haines, State Of Mind, The Upbeats etc etc are all doing extremely well in their respective genres, with huge international acclaim within those particular music communities. Just because it's not on some pop-music Top 40 doesn't mean it's not being received well in countries other than our own... It's called perspective Neil, and you obviously have none.
Barry Morgan
He can sing. But he seemingly cannot think. And, if he wants to take a nasty "swipe" at Helen Clark, then he is way out of his league. The current Government takes many opportunities to support our Music Industry. Finn's attack on Ms Clark is unfair and unrealistic to say the least.
Marty
Let's look at Mr Finn's argument. Is this music making waves when we send off our local acts? Take Blindspott. Their first album blew up in Asia, they went there and played to 100,000 people. So, for their second album, they get ta payer dosh to go to... SXSW in Texas. Not Asia. The only international act to make waves in the last few years is Fat Freddy's Drop, and that was done with almost zero govt-funding. Why did they cut thru? Because they sound different. Funding commercially viable music thru NZ On Air is not creating strong acts with export potential.
Pauls
Basically NZ music is crap, so if they can't make it on there own, then tough....go get a real job and stop whinging."
Gavin
Perhaps it would be beneficial to actually read the original article before commenting...
Richard
Neil Finn, as one of NZ's most successful musicians has every right to express what he is seeing, I don't really see how people can judge someone who has done more for the NZ music industry, and help more NZ musicians than anyone else. Personally I am tired of seeing Helen claim her stake to the success of so much that she has had nothing to do with. As for Crowded House being an Aussie band, I am sure if you followed what Neil said you would understand why he said that.
Grant
Neil Finn should not be surprised at a politician taking the credit for hardworking musicians and their talent getting them noticed. Politicians do this all the time with the whole population. The hardworking are taxed and the politicians take credit for productivity increases. Some politicians take credit for other people's artwork.
Thom Grey
Just because New Zealand music has good exposure in New Zealand doesn't mean it has good exposure elsewhere. With a very few exceptions, kiwi bands are relatively unknown by the outside world. This is due to some serious flaws in our music industry and
