4 May 2009 - New Zealand Music Month kicked off at the weekend with a range of great gigs and events, but the lack of support from Arts Minister Chris Finlayson has been noticeable, Grant Robertson Labour Associate Arts, Culture and Heritage Spokesperson said.

The opening weekend of New Zealand Music Month was massive.

"Here in Wellington we saw gigs by bands such as the Phoenix Foundation and the Harbour City Electric, and even duelling pianos at the Railway. Right across the country, Kiwis are celebrating New Zealand music and musicians which is fantastic.

"In Auckland Sola Rosa, The Checks and Midnight Youth kicked off the month's activities," Grant Robertson said

"While some people question why just one month should be labelled NZ Music Month, the focus that comes with the annual event lifts public interest, and contributes to increased sales and airplay for Kiwi music.

"The only bum note of the weekend has been a lack of any support for Music Month from the Arts Minister Chris Finlayson.

"We have not heard a peep from him.

"In recent years Associate Arts Minister Judith Tizard has publicly backed the event, releasing a range of promotional material, and putting together the NZ Music Month quiz that has generated strong interest among her fellow politicians."

"I know that the Minister is a fan of the arts, so I was hoping to see him put his support behind NZ Music Month. It is disappointing that he hasn't, and sends the signal to musicians that the government does not support them.

"With the Budget coming up, arts organisations have every right to be concerned that this lack of interest might be reflected in the funding that they will receive," Grant Robertson said.