Resale Royalties Aotearoa – Toi Huarau (RRA) are proud to announce that the first distribution of funds through Aotearoa New Zealand’s Artist Resale Royalty Scheme has taken place, delivering over $152,000 in royalties to artists and their estates — a major step forward in supporting artists’ rights and acknowledging their lasting contribution to New Zealand’s cultural heritage.
Covering the period from 1 December 2024 to 31 March 2025, the inaugural distribution reflects 244 qualifying resales, with royalties to 126 artists, including 85 living artists and 54 estates or successors.
Sam Irvine, Resale Royalties Aotearoa CE noted,
“The launch of the artist resale royalty scheme has gone very well. We have had fantastic engagement from art market professionals and the feedback from artists has been extremely positive.
For many this will mean they can have a sustainable career and legacy in visual art. It also brings New Zealand into line with the rest of the OECD and fulfils our obligations to the free trade agreement to the EU and UK.”
This first round has been especially heartening for its strong representation of living artists, signalling real-time benefits for creators currently active in the art market.
Artist Mickey Smith shares,
“When I first learned of the Resale Royalties effort, I was thrilled for our creative community, but I never imagined my own work would be among the first to qualify.
Arts advocacy and creative copyright are more important than ever— we must continue to support one another, safeguarding our rights, our livelihoods, and the cultural legacy we create.”
The scheme has also been well received across the visual arts sector. Auction houses, galleries, collectors, and estate managers have engaged constructively and cooperatively, ensuring the smooth operation of this important new initiative.
“It’s heartening to see the positive impact that Resale Royalties Aotearoa has made since its inception four months ago, distributing $150,000 in royalties to New Zealand artists and estates. The initiative brings New Zealand in line with global standards and ensures artists are fairly compensated when their work is resold, providing vital support and sustainability for artists’ careers.
Working with RRA has been a seamless process and Webb’s has been delighted with the response from artists and vendors, many of whom believe the scheme is overdue.”
— Emily Gardener, Director of Art, Webb’s
The Artist Resale Royalty Scheme, introduced in December 2024, ensures that visual artists or their successors can receive a royalty payment of 5% of the resale value (minus administration costs) each time there is a qualifying resale of their original visual artwork.
The success of this first distribution demonstrates that the system is already working effectively and efficiently — even in its early stages, due in strong part to the co operation of all involved.
“I am delighted to see the positive impact the Artist Resale Royalty scheme has had in just the first few months of operation. It’s clear that Aotearoa New Zealand’s art sector has supported the scheme and understands how it delivers benefits for our visual artists and provides them with necessary recognition and remuneration for their mahi.
Thank you also to Resale Royalties Aotearoa – it has been the RRA’s strong relationships and management that has seen the scheme operating so positively and well from the start.”
– Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae, Tumu Whakarae Chief Executive, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
As Aotearoa joins the growing list of countries recognising resale rights, the scheme not only provides financial support for artists but also strengthens the overall sustainability of the Aotearoa art market.
For more information please contact us here or email kiaora@rra.org.nz