In 1997, APRA and AMCOS formed an alliance. APRA, the Australasian Performing Right Association Limited (APRA) was established in 1926 to manage the performance and communication rights of its members. This covers music that is communicated or performed publicly including on radio, television, online, live gigs in pubs and clubs etc.

AMCOS, the Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society Limited (AMCOS) was established in 1979 to manage “mechanical royalties”, that is, the reproduction or copying and storage of music in different formats. This covers copying of songs and compositions by record labels or other parties to sell them on CD, DVD, online, for use as production music and for radio/TV programs.

Today APRA AMCOS covers all these rights and uses of music, for both local and international songs, for the benefit of music creators and music customers.APRA AMCOS has 87,000+ members across New Zealand and Australia who are songwriters, composers and music publishers. APRA AMCOS licenses organisations to play, perform, copy, record or make available our members’ music, and we distribute the royalties to our members.

APRA AMCOS is affiliated with similar collecting societies around the world. So when New Zealand and Australian songs and compositions are performed overseas, New Zealand and Australian writers get paid. APRA AMCOS also helps music customers in New Zealand and Australia access music from the rest of the world.

APRA AMCOS also advocates on behalf of music creator's rights and the New Zealand music industry locally, nationally and internationally. Its Ambassador Program includes influential music creators from all genres. They partner with APRA AMCOS to promote the importance of music creators’ rights and its role in administering those rights to all levels of government, the media and the wider community. APRA AMCOS also consult frequently with its Ambassadors to seek their input on issues affecting its members.

Activities

• Grants for the Local Music Industry

APRA AMCOS invests in local projects, events and organisations that support its members’ music.

• Professional Development

APRAS AMCOS is constantly providing opportunities for its members to connect with each other and broader parts of the music industry.

• Music Foundation

APRA AMCOS is a founding supporter of the New Zealand Music Foundation<http://www.nzmusicfoundation.org.nz/> which supports music-based projects at youth organisations, hospices, schools, medical charities, rehabilitation centres and more right across the country. We also give emergency assistance to those in the music community who find themselves experiencing illness, distress and hardship.