Copyright Act 1994

Acts permitted in relation to copyright works - Computer programs, sound recordings, and films

81: Playing of sound recordings for purposes of club, society, etc

You could also call this:

"Playing music at non-profit clubs and groups is allowed under certain conditions"

You can play a sound recording without infringing copyright if you are part of a club, society, or organisation. You must meet certain conditions to do this. These conditions are that your club or organisation is not for profit and its main goals are charitable or related to religion, education, or social welfare. You also need to use any money from admission charges only for your club's purposes. This means you cannot use the money for personal gain. You can play the sound recording as part of your club's activities or for its benefit if you follow these rules. You are allowed to play sound recordings in these situations without breaking copyright laws. This applies to clubs, societies, or organisations that meet the specified conditions. You must ensure your club or organisation follows these conditions to play sound recordings without infringing copyright.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM346225.

This page was last updated on 3 December 2025 — View changes

Topics:

Arts and culture > Arts fundingBusiness > Industry rules

80D: Certain contractual terms relating to use of computer programs have no effect, or

"Some computer program agreements can't stop you doing things the law allows"

81A: Copying sound recording for personal use, or

"Copying music for yourself at home"

Part 3Acts permitted in relation to copyright works
Computer programs, sound recordings, and films

81Playing of sound recordings for purposes of club, society, etc

It is not an infringement of copyright in a sound recording to play the sound recording as part of the activities of, or for the benefit of, a club, society, or other organisation, if the conditions contained in subsection (2) are complied with.
The conditions referred to in subsection (1) are—
that the club, society, or organisation is not established or conducted for profit; and
that the main objects of the club, society, or organisation are charitable or are otherwise concerned with the advancement of religion, education, or social welfare; and
that the proceeds of any charge for admission to the place where the recording is to be heard are applied solely for the purposes of the club, society, or organisation.

Compare

1962 No 33 s 13(6)