New street performance and busking policy

The Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee today endorsed a policy to manage and encourage diverse, high quality street performance in Auckland city's public spaces.

The street performance Policy outlines a code of conduct for performers to observe and aims to assist musicians and other entertainers to gain experience while ensuring that they carry out activities safely and in appropriate areas.

Twelve-month licences will be issued free-of-charge to street performers who agree to comply with the criteria outlined in the Code of Conduct, which seeks to balance a performer's creative needs with everyday activities taking place in the city.

Councillor Penny Sefuiva, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee, says the new approach will ensure that the city's streets are alive with entertainment.

"Quality and creative street performance is integral to enhance our city's ambience and vitality. We anticipate that clarifying expectations through this policy will ensure that the city attracts and fosters a wide range of street performance.

"At no cost to the performers, the policy will assist them in choosing suitable locations to perform in and provide a fair system for the use of optimum sites," she says

A street performance guidebook will help performers, residents and retailers to understand the code of conduct required to perform in Auckland's streets.

It will also direct performers to appropriate locations for particular activities, such as special sites identified for pavement art and areas designated for acts that attract large audiences. It will also provide tips for performers wanting to make the most of their performance.

The policy will come into effect in once the public places and street trading bylaws have been amended to include it. This is likely to be in early 2008.