Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Bird Calls – Can I get a copy of the (pre news) bird calls?

A: Yes, they are available for download on the Radio New Zealand Bird pages.

Q: Cost - Why does it cost more than buying a CD from a shop or downloading an MP3 from an online shop?

A: The vast majority of the items held by the archive are not digitised. Therefore on average for every hour of audio requested there are approximately four hours of ;

  • - Finding the original media item
  • - Researching the technical and intellectual property of the    item
  • - Correct processing and digitisation to correct professional resolution(s)
  • - Database entries.
  • - Digital archive maintenance and backup
  • - Client supply – dealing with the enquiry – making copies etc


Q: Commercially released music (including the bulk of Radio New Zealand Concert’s programs) – What are the issues with requesting copies of commercially released music?

A: While SANTK does hold published sound recordings such as LPs, 45s, 78s and CDs, it is not our primary function to preserve these or to provide copies of commercially released recordings to the public. This is the result of copyright legislation protecting the original owners of the recordings, and the legal complications involved.

  • - All requestors are to have tried to identify other sources of the music, and be directed to institutions such as the National Library.
  • - If they can’t find it elsewhere we may consider supply based on the usage stated on Request form, however, the client will need to seek copyright clearance on the item.


Q: NZSO - Can I get a copy of an NZSO recording?

A: In the case of musical recordings featuring the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and its predecessors, recordings cannot be supplied without either the permission of the orchestra management (in the case of commercial or broadcast use), or the signing of a declaration supplied by SANTK (in the case of private listening or research use). For further details of this policy, contact the archive manager.

Q: Poetry & Drama - Can I get a copy of one of the poems or dramas listed in your database?

A: We may have “mechanical copyright” (rights to the actual physical media) however you will have to contact the poet or poet’s family for permission to use poems. Let us know which drama you’re interested in and we will research the copyright issues for you.

Q: Website Audio - Can I publish audio I have obtained from the Sound Archives on my website?

A: Permission must be granted to all websites wishing to feature SANTK audio.

  • - In future, it will be preferable that websites link back to our site for the audio (as is the case with RNZ). A licence agreement needs to be drafted in each instance.
  • - SANTK audio supplied to websites (such as Te Ara) ask users to seek permission if they wish to re-use the audio. BUT users are not to illegally download the audio from the site – all audio must be supplied by us. It is illegal to download it. Supply fees to be charged (and in some instances, a licence fee may also be applicable).


Q: What’s the process if I find something I want a copy of on your website?

A: The Sound Archives Audio Request Process.

If there is anything else you would like to see covered in our FAQ page, please email us with your suggestion.

Take Part

Broadcasters we want you

Broadcasters.

Help us preserve radio history.

Make a donation

Records.

We are always looking to add to our archive.

Photographs and Ephemera

Sound Archives in Christchurch holds many photographs, memorabilia, and documents relating to the history of radio in New Zealand. You can view some of our photographs in the gallery

Audio Projects

Tape machine..

Sound Archives has been involved in some interesting projects.

Why does this site look so plain?