Steriogram poster sounds sour note

Steriogram perform on the steps of Parliament as part of NZ Music Month. The band want to steer clear of poster politics but confess to being fans of Labour's arts policies. Picture / Fotopress

A row has broken out between rival politicians over a poster promoting a free concert for New Zealand Music Month that was held on Parliament's steps yesterday.

The last line of the poster for the Steriogram performance reads: "A free concert, brought to you by New Zealand Music Month, which is brought to you by the Labour-led Government, because Labour loves NZ music".

The office of Associate Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Judith Tizard made and distributed the poster to politicians and media.

It was also displayed in several locations in Wellington. National MP Katherine Rich yesterday accused Ms Tizard of using the poster to politicise NZ Music Month and promote herself.

"She's turned it into a Judith Tizard promotion as opposed to a non-political celebration."

Ms Rich said the poster's last line contravened parliamentary rules banning ministers' offices from distributing party propaganda.

Ms Tizard said Ms Rich was grizzling about nothing.

"It's a tiny line at the bottom of a poster."

She said an enthusiastic member of her staff made the poster and if Ms Rich had a problem, she should complain to the Speaker of the House.

Steriogram, the band whose song Walkie Talkie Man has famously been used by Apple to advertise iPod music players, yesterday distanced itself from the poster debate.

The band's frontman, Tyson Kennedy, said they had not seen the poster and did not have an opinion on whether the statement from Labour was appropriate.

But he did say the Labour Government had helped the band substantially.

"We do have a lot of love for the things they've done."

He said money from Labour grants and benefits had given the band freedom to write and perform their music, which had in turn led to their signing with US record label Capitol.

"It's kicked off our career."

Kennedy said yesterday's concert, which attracted a crowd of about 200, was unlike any Steriogram had played before.

"There was a lot of dudes in suits."

He had hoped to meet "Aunty Helen" [Prime Minister Helen Clark], but she was not there.

Steriogram begin a month-long tour of New Zealand on May 17.