Addressing Ticketmaster's Dominance in New Zealand's Live Music Industry
One company dominates NZ’s live music scene – how do we encourage competition?

Image: The Conversation
The recent U.S. court ruling against Live Nation and Ticketmaster for monopolistic practices raises concerns about similar issues in New Zealand, where the companies dominate ticketing and live events. Calls for greater competition and transparency in ticket pricing are growing, with suggestions for regulatory changes to improve the market landscape.
- 01The U.S. Department of Justice's lawsuit against Live Nation highlighted anti-competitive practices, resulting in a jury finding of unlawful monopoly power.
- 02In New Zealand, Live Nation and Ticketmaster control significant market share, impacting ticketing for major venues and events.
- 03Consumer NZ initiated a petition for greater transparency in ticket pricing, gathering 10,000 signatures to amend the Fair Trading Act.
- 04The Australian model requires upfront disclosure of ticket fees, a practice not yet adopted in New Zealand, leading to consumer dissatisfaction.
- 05Proposals include mandating multiple ticketing providers for local venues to foster competition and improve consumer options.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The recent ruling by a U.S. court against Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster for monopolistic practices has sparked discussions about the implications for New Zealand's live music industry. In Aotearoa, Live Nation and Ticketmaster have established a stronghold over ticketing and event management, raising concerns about competition and consumer rights. The merger of Ticketmaster and Live Nation in 2009 created a vertically integrated entity that has since faced criticism from artists, venue operators, and audiences alike for its pricing practices and market control. Following the U.S. verdict, there are calls for similar scrutiny in New Zealand, particularly regarding ticket pricing transparency. A petition by Consumer NZ advocating for clearer disclosure of ticket fees has gained traction, reflecting public demand for fairer practices. To counteract the dominance of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, suggestions include requiring local venues to engage multiple ticketing providers. This could enhance competition, benefiting consumers with better pricing and service options. The challenge remains in implementing these changes effectively to foster a more equitable live music landscape in New Zealand.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
If implemented, proposed changes could lead to lower ticket prices and better access to live events for New Zealand audiences.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Should New Zealand implement regulations to encourage competition in ticketing?
Connecting to poll...
More about Live Nation
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.






