How Much Does a Music Licence Cost in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, a traditional music licence typically costs NZ$468 to NZ$5,988 or more per year, depending on your business type, size and how you use music. Fees are set by OneMusic New Zealand (APRA AMCOS and Recorded Music NZ). And that figure is just the licence: the music itself is a separate cost on top. Here is the full breakdown, and how to cut the total to NZ$9.99 per month.

Licence costs by business type

Business type	Typical annual cost (OneMusic NZ licence + music source)
Small retail shop (around 150m², digital music)	NZ$1,320+
Café or restaurant (small venue)	NZ$1,056 to NZ$1,236+
Hair or beauty salon (under 100m²)	NZ$1,092 to NZ$1,176+
Gym or fitness studio (recorded music + classes)	NZ$2,784 to NZ$6,288+

Based on published OneMusic NZ rate schedules plus a typical streaming subscription. Actual fees vary by venue type, size and music use.

The cost they do not mention

The licence only covers the legal right to play music. It does not include the music itself, so you still pay separately for a streaming source. And Spotify or Apple Music will not do: their terms prohibit commercial use, so even with a paid consumer subscription you would still need the licence on top.

The NZ$9.99 per month alternative

Melodial includes both the music and the licence in one subscription. Every track is owned or directly licensed by Melodial, and none of the catalogue is registered with OneMusic or any other collecting society, which means there are no royalties to collect and no licence fees to pay.

Business type	OneMusic NZ licence + music source (per year)	Melodial (per year)
Small retail shop (around 150m², digital music)	NZ$1,320+	NZ$99.99
Café or restaurant (small venue)	NZ$1,056 to NZ$1,236+	NZ$99.99
Hair or beauty salon (under 100m²)	NZ$1,092 to NZ$1,176+	NZ$99.99
Gym or fitness studio (recorded music, classes)	NZ$2,784 to NZ$6,288+	NZ$99.99

OneMusic NZ fees are based on published rate schedules and vary by business type, size and music use. Totals shown include a typical separate music streaming subscription.

Your Melodial subscription is your licence. No middlemen, no tariff schedules, no annual audits, and a Certificate of Compliance you can download instantly.

What happens if you skip the licence?

OneMusic NZ can bring copyright infringement proceedings under the Copyright Act 1994. Courts can award back licence fees, damages and legal costs that go well beyond what the licence would ever have cost, along with orders that stop you playing music altogether. See the full breakdown of fines and penalties in New Zealand.

Switching takes three minutes: subscribe, play Melodial exclusively, and download your Certificate of Compliance.

Frequently asked questions

Can I negotiate my OneMusic fees?

Not usually. Fees are based on published tariff schedules, tiered by business type and size. Payment plans may exist, but the total is not typically negotiable for small businesses.

Do licence fees increase every year?

Tariffs are reviewed and often increase annually. Melodial’s price stays flat at NZ$9.99 per month, with no increases based on venue size or business type.

Is Melodial really just NZ$9.99 per month?

Yes. One flat price per stream. No per-zone charges, no per-class surcharges, no hidden fees. Music and licence included.

What is the catch?

You can only play Melodial music. If you also play mainstream radio, Spotify or CDs, you still need a OneMusic licence for that music. Play Melodial exclusively and no other licence is required.