Tuesday 21 May, 2002 Media Statement

MPs’ New Zealand Music Quiz results show encouraging awareness of local talent

Judith Tizard has praised her parliamentary colleagues for their high level of local music knowledge, as revealed in the results of her annual New Zealand Music Quiz today.

“The average number of right answers to the 20-question quiz (with a possible 25 points) was an outstanding 16. This doesn’t include the extra points awarded to those who interpreted question five to their own benefit by listing as many favourite New Zealand songs of all time as possible!

“Many MPs sought help from staff or family members, but whether they already knew the answers, asked around or did their research, I’m delighted my colleagues took such an interest in wanting to get the answers right.

“As with last year, the point of the exercise was to get them thinking about the great range of music on offer in this country during New Zealand Music Month. The results show a greater awareness this year than last, and that means New Zealand Music Month is doing its job. I’d like to congratulate the New Zealand Music Industry Commission and the music industry on another great month.”

Every MP who entered the quiz receives a copy of the highest-selling compilation of New Zealand songs ever, Nature’s Best, the APRA collection of New Zealand’s top 30 songs of the past 75 years.

The winners are:

“Best Total (with only one favourite song listed)” - Matt Robson (23 points); Dianne Yates (22 points).

“Best Total (by creatively interpreting the rules)” - Tariana Turia and Tari (office) – 60 points, included 43 points for 43 answers to question five, “What is your favourite NZ song of all time?” (The enthusiastic interpretation of the question yielded an impressive list of songs)

"Bravest Attempt" – Jill Pettis (1 point for the Aramoho School Song being her favourite NZ song, which she will sing upon picking up her prize)

“Political Correctness” – Ken Shirley – For best explanation of party policy within the quiz (Q5. Favourite song: Fred Dagg’s You don’t know how lucky you are. Q7. What does a NZ On Air “plugger” do? Answer: “Hassles”).

“Most Sporting Attempt” – Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt – for offering to answer questions on Australia/England cricket tests between the two World Wars, but nevertheless answering five questions and getting 4 correct answers.

"Pacifier Award" - Tim Barnett – (for writing "Jihad" as Jim Anderton did last year, then correcting himself with “Shihad”)

"Honourable Mentions" – MPs who scored 20 or above: Jim Anderton (21 points plus 3 songs); Gerry Brownlee (21 points); Belinda Vernon (21); David Cunliffe (20 points plus 26 songs); John Tamihere (20 points plus 3 songs); Marian Hobbs (20 points); David Carter (20 points)

“Best MP Wannabe” – Liisa McMillan, National Radio music producer – 44 points including 22 correct answers, 22 favourite songs, and a fine instinct for making the rules work for her.

The question "What is your favourite New Zealand song of all time?" revealed a wide range of musical tastes amongst Parliamentarians. “Nature” by the Fourmyula remains popular, as do songs by Dave Dobbyn, Crowded House and Split Enz.

Among the many songs listed were: Bic Runga – Sway; Mark Williams – Taking it all in stride; The Crocodiles – Tears; Southside of Bombay – What’s the Time Mr Wolf?; Patea Maori Club – Poi E; Peter Cape – Taumarunui (on the main trunk line); Chris Knox - Not Given Lightly; Straitjacket Fits – She Speeds; The Mutton Birds – Dominion Rd; Prince Tui Teka – E Ipo; Golden Harvest – I Need Your Love; Matapihi - Te Matapihi Moemoea;The Mutton Birds – Anchor Me; Fur Patrol – Lydia.

The answers to the 2002 New Zealand Music Month Quiz are attached.

More information on New Zealand Music Month is on the NZ Music Industry Commission website: www.nzmusic.org.nz

ENDS

Judith Tizard’s New Zealand Music Month Quiz

1. Which major New Zealand rock band has recently changed its name to Pacifier?
Shihad - 1 point

2. What New Zealand record label turned 21 this year?
Flying Nun - 1 point

3. New Zealand's first electronica musician set up a studio in Wellington within 1km of the Beehive in the 1960s. He died last year and in June Concert FM will feature a major documentary series on his life. Who was he?
Douglas Lilburn - 1 point

4. Name the 1969 Fourmyula song about a popular ice-cream “vendor”?
Mr Whippy - 1 point

5. What is your favourite New Zealand song of all time?
Each song gets 1 point

6. Andy Lynch of Zed is the son of one half of a major New Zealand pop duo from the 1960s. Name the singer and the duo.
Suzanne Lynch/Donaldson – The Chicks - 1 point

7. What does a New Zealand On Air “plugger” do?
Promotes the NZ On Air hit discs to commercial radio, encourages radio programmers to put NZ songs on their playlists - 1 point

8. What is the current occupation of Joe Williams, who was the songwriter and lead vocalist for reggae group Aotearoa?
Judge Joe Williams – Chief Maori Land Court Judge (also Deputy Chairperson of Waitangi Tribunal, currently acting Chair) - 1 point

9. Bic Runga had two songs on the soundtrack for major Hollywood film American Pie. Another New Zealand singer-songwriter has followed in her footsteps, making it to the soundtrack of the film America’s Sweethearts with the song Falling In Love Again. Who is she?
Anika Moa - 1 point

10. Like Fur Patrol’s Lydia the year before, once again a New Zealand band has a current hit with a song named after a girl. Who do goodshirt sing about?
Sophie - 1 point

11. What is the highest-selling compilation of New Zealand songs ever?
Nature’s Best – the APRA compilation of NZ songs over 75 years - 1 point

12. Name the Tongan-born steel guitar legend who has recorded over 50 albums, written over 200 songs and recently released the album Our Serenade.
Bill Sevesi - 1 point

13. Waikato University recently awarded honorary doctorates to three musicians – two are brothers and the third is a renowned Maori musician. Who are they?
Tim and Neil Finn, Hirini Melbourne - 3 points

14. What pop bands do you associate with the New Zealand musician who has also composed for orchestras, choirs, brass and pipe bands, From Scratch, theatrical group The Front Lawn, and the soundtracks to the film An Angel at my Table, the television series Street Legal and the NZ Festival 2002 production The World’s Wife?
Blam Blam Blam, The Mutton Birds (also The Plague, The Whizz Kids) - 1 point for each band

15. Name the organisation that coordinates New Zealand Music Month with the support of the New Zealand music, radio and retail industry.
NZ Music Industry Commission - 1 point

16. What is the name of the New Zealand DJ who is currently ranked as number three in the world standings?
P-Money (Pete Wadams) - 1 point

17. Who is the biggest selling female New Zealand popular musician of all time?
Bic Runga - 1 point

18. The new book – An Ordinary Joker -– and accompanying CD profile the life and songs of the man who wrote popular New Zealand folk songs including Taumarunui (on the main trunk line) and Down the hall on a Saturday night. Who was he?
Peter Cape - 1 point

19. Name the New Zealand opera singer whose self-titled debut album sold 45,000 copies in its first month of release in New Zealand.
Hayley Westenra - 1 point

20. The MP for Auckland Central Question:
This musician named his album Vine Street Stories after his St Mary’s Bay home…
Greg Johnson - 1 point

Total – 25 points (or more if more favourite songs)
Thank you for doing your part to support New Zealand music during New Zealand Music Month, May 2002.

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