95bFM What will Auckland Council’s crackdown on gig posters mean for independent promoters?
26 August, 2025
Interview by Sanat Singh, adapted by Samantha Watson-Tayler
Founder of the independent gig agency JunkMail, Lara Marie, says Auckland Council’s recent crackdown on gig posters is “a waste of time,” and will hurt Tāmaki Makaurau’s indie music scene. Image: Joel Armstrong
Recently, Auckland Council has informed independent music promoters and artists to stop putting up posters around the Auckland CBD.
Despite the Signs Bylaw 2022, which forbids temporary signage, including gig posters from private and public property without consent, this recent crackdown is in response to complaints council have recently received.
Auckland Council has threatened fines against those who do not comply with taking down their posters.
Deputy Mayor, Desley Simpson, told 95bFM’s Breakfast with Rosetta and Milly, that these posters are being plastered “in the wrong places and caus[ing] long-term litter damage,” and suggests independent promoters either pay to advertise their gigs or use social media.
This move has faced a substantial amount of backlash from the local music community, who are concerned this crackdown will negatively impact the visibility smaller promoters have to advertise their gigs and will result in advertising agencies having a monopoly over indie artists.
Founder of the independent gig agency JunkMail, Lara Marie, told 95bFM’s The Wire that this move was “unexpected”.
“I think most indie promoters are aware that you're not technically allowed to poster, but to be kind of directly threatened is pretty untoward.”
Marie would like to see the complaints that the council have labelled as a reason for this crackdown.
“... what I want to know is actually, who are these complaints coming from, and do they have evidence?
“I could think of a million things in Auckland Central that I'd like to complain about, but it doesn't mean that my opinion is correct or that people shouldn't be allowed to advertise their businesses just because I don't like it.”
She questions why the crackdown is happening now, despite the 2022 Bylaw.
“I've been postering for a really long time and have never been approached by the council.
“I can't help but wonder if it's to do with the Government or the upcoming election season or whatever. I guess it's just trying to fill their time. That's what I see it as. I think it's a waste of time, to be frank, the way they're approaching it.”
She says she has “seen nothing” regarding the council indicating their willingness to work with independent music promoters.
“… in the communications I received from them, there was absolutely no willingness to hear me out or take on any sort of feedback. It was essentially a cease and desist, pretty much.
“I think it's a money grab opportunity for them, and they're not really interested in the reasons why postering may actually be beneficial.”
Marie says this move will “crush the indie scene”.
“I think it's really important that people have on the ground access to events, businesses, promoters, art, whatever it might be, that cannot afford [corporate rates] …
“There can't be a thriving indie music scene with the council looming over every decision a young promoter or artist wants to make.”
