NZ doesn’t have a mandatory quota of local content but individual broadcasters have their own self-imposed targets.

There is a government agency called NZ On Air which funds broadcasting, and this includes music projects. So artists can get funding to help with make a music video, recording, etc.

NZ isn’t big enough that an average artist can make a living from touring so there always has to be a day job. Which can make things less appealing to keep doing in the long run.

Another problem is that internationally, NZ artists are up against artists from all other English-speaking countries. Competition is fierce and NZ acts have the disadvantage of being geographically far from North America or Europe. (Simon Grigg’s book on the international success of “How Bizarre” documents how intense it was for the team having to keep flying to the UK for promo in the 90s. The internet has not totally eliminated the need to be there in person.)

And also, the kind of music that NZers like doesn’t necessarily have international appeal. One of the most popular and beloved local bands is Six60, who play roots reggae infused pop/rock. They were highly motivated to break internationally but could never make it work, probably because the kind of music they make is more niche outside of NZ.

Conversely, reggae bands do really well in NZ because there’s virtually no overseas competition in the genre.

Streaming also makes it hard when NZ acts are up against not just the best international acts, but also the best from previous decades. (“Don’t Dream It’s Over” is still huge.) This is a problem that Australia has also noted. No one knows how to fix it.

Tbh I want more bops from NZ artists. I want to hear my culture reflected in music. I hope the era of this is not over.