“It’s an exciting opportunity for performers to work together to build a vibrant industry in New Zealand and Australia, and the strong support for the proposal shows that New Zealand performers want a strong union to represent their interests,” said Simon Whipp, director of the Equity section of the Alliance.

The high level of voter support encourages New Zealand union organiser Teresa Brown. “It is an exciting time for the industry and providing a strong voice for our membership can only be of benefit to all involved”.

The decision comes after an exhaustive two-year process of discussing the proposal with New Zealand performers. The Alliance’s National Performers Committee has welcomed the decision and looks forward to working with New Zealand performers.

“Australian performers welcome the decision and it is an historic step forward that cements strong ties between Australian and New Zealand performers and acknowledges what is an increasingly international industry and also realities of the harsh working environment for performers in both countries,” Whipp said.

“And despite the hostile response from a variety of producer interests, casting agents and some performers’ agents, the overwhelming support for the move clearly confirms the will of the performers in improving their representation in New Zealand,” Whipp said.

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions also welcomed the decision.  “Acting is an important industry for New Zealand,” said CTU Secretary Carol Beaumont.  “Our successes in the creative industries must extend to decent pay and conditions for the workers involved – including improved health and safety conditions and minimum codes for employment in the industry.”

What do NZ performers gain from joining Australian Equity?

New Zealand members of the Alliance will be entitled to all rights and responsibilities as any other member. Specifically members will be able to participate in the development of policy, particularly the policies that affect them and their work.

What are the benefits of being an Alliance member?

As Alliance members, New Zealand performers will have access to Alliance resources that Australian members currently enjoy. Alliance members receive the quarterly Equity magazine, a weekly entertainment e-bulletin, and have access to industrial advice via the Alliance website and our Alliance Inquiry Desk. Alliance members also have access to the Equity professional program which covers areas such as casting, actor/agent seminars, how to stage independent productions, taxation and financial advice and a number of graduate day seminars.

What issues will the Alliance campaign on? 

NZ performers will also be able to seek collective agreements that cover all performers who work in feature films, or in television, or in commercials, or in voiceovers. More effective lobbying can take place to persuade the New Zealand immigration department that more NZ performers should be employed in roles for productions made in New Zealand. Members can share in the financial success of successful productions made in New Zealand.

How will NZ performers be represented?

The Alliance will establish a New Zealand Branch with an Executive elected by and from New Zealand members consisting of a President, three vice-presidents and 10 council members. The President and one other person would represent New Zealand performers on the Alliance Council (the supreme policy making body) and on the Alliance National Performers Committee. The President would represent New Zealand performers on the Alliance Executive. The Alliance will establish an office in New Zealand and engage a full-time organiser.

Alliance Federal Secretary, Christopher Warren, comments on Coming Up For Air...