New IMNZ Board brings together many levels of experience

The Board which will helm New Zealand’s independent record label trade association Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) for the next year was elected at yesterday’s Annual General Meeting, held in the cosy setting of the Grey Lynn RSC.

Benjii Jackson from MUZAI Records (who have just celebrated their second birthday) is the newest addition, joining incumbents Dean Cameron (ElevenfiftySeven Records), Mark Kneebone (Tardus Music), Stephen O’Hoy (Digital Rights Management NZ) and Brendan Vucich (Parachute Music), and returning to the executive is Andrew Maitai (Powertool Records).

Mark Kneebone steps down as Chair after five years of tireless service, although he remains on the Board. IMNZ made some great strides under his watch – one of his standout achievements was Kneebone’s involvement in the establishment of the international independent digital rights body Merlin, which over the last 12 months has distributed US $11million to independent labels across the globe.

Sarah Crowe of The Black Seeds Ltd, Funktion Music and Instrumental Agency has served as Deputy Chair for the past year; and we reluctantly farewell her as she steps down from the Board to focus on her many roles. She has brought financial skills, enthusiasm and business acumen to IMNZ, and we wish her all the best with her future ventures.
New Chair Ben Howe was one of the founders of IMNZ in 2001, and he has previously served as Deputy Chair and most recently IMNZ Business Development Manager. Ben’s dedication to IMNZ and his knowledge of the music industry both locally and internationally will be a great asset in this role. He brings a wealth of skills from his label Arch Hill Recordings and touring company Mystery Girl.

Freshly-elected Deputy Chair Scott Muir has been with IMNZ since 2009 and brings to the Board the many skills he wields at Dunedinmusic.com, which is a record label, online retailer, artist website provider and digital aggregator. He also brings considerable experience in event management.
The next year is set to be an exciting one for the independent sector, with the association geared up to focus on the ever-changing music industry and the unique place of independent labels and distributors within it. IMNZ will shortly be announcing some exciting events too, so watch this space!

IMNZ Board 2011/2012:

Chair
Ben Howe Arch Hill Recordings

Deputy Chair

Scott Muir Dunedinmusic.com

Board

Dean Cameron ElevenfiftySeven Records

Benjii Jackson MUZAI Records

Mark Kneebone Tardus Music

Andrew Maitai Powertool Records

Stephen O’Hoy Digital Rights Management NZ

Brendan Vucich Parachute Music