2025 APRA New Zealand Writer election candidates
Jan Hellriegel
BIOGRAPHY
Jan Hellriegel is a highly experienced, songwriter, performer, music publisher and author with more than three decades of professional achievement in the Australasian music industry. A writer member of APRAAMCOS for 35 years and a publisher member for 12, she combines creative insight with strong business acumen. Jan reads music notation, legal contracts, and accounts ledgers with equal fluency and is known for her strategic and ethical approach to industry development.
She is the founder of Songbroker, a pioneering social enterprise established to increase opportunities, incomes, and rights protection for independent NZ artists. As a recognised authority on music copyright, Jan is a leading advocate for equitable licensing practices and stronger copyright law reform, particularly within Government and public-sector frameworks.
Her governance experience includes serving as a Director of Independent Music NZ (IMNZ) and as a Board Member of Recorded Music NZ (RMNZ) during the formative years of the One Music initiative. Jan also operates a creative and strategic consultancy supporting cultural and commercial projects.
A graduate of the University of Otago (BA), Jan continues to write, record, and perform; she is currently producing a new music production. See more at janhellriegel.com
ELECTION STATEMENT
I bring a valuable and distinctive skill set to the APRA Board, combining creative experience with extensive business expertise. My career spans marketing, sales, accounting, and communications, alongside 35 years as a working songwriter, performer, and publisher. This breadth allows me to understand both the artistic and commercial realities of music in New Zealand.
I have advocated for fairer outcomes for independent musicians, building systems that increase income, ensure rights protection, and strengthen our creative economy. Widely regarded as an expert in music copyright and licensing, I am deeply aware of the growing threat that AI poses to creators’ livelihoods. With decades of industry knowledge, I have the experience needed to help APRA navigate this rapidly changing landscape and safeguard members’ rights and incomes.
Aotearoa’s composers and writers are an essential part of the Australasian music ecosystem. Yet, with only one dedicated NZ chair on the APRAAMCOS Board of 24, our representation must be strong. We deserve an equally powerful voice, equitable access to benefits, and full confidence that our royalties are administered fairly. If elected, I will bring energy, experience, and unwavering advocacy to ensure New Zealand’s music creators are well represented and well served.
Andrew McDowall
BIOGRAPHY
My name is Andrew McDowall, I’m a screen composer and audio engineer based in New Zealand. I’ve been an APRA member since 2002 and hold an honours degree in film scoring from Berklee College of Music (1999). During my time in America, I performed regularly across New England as the keyboard player in a Dave Matthews tribute band.
After returning to Aotearoa, I founded Digicake Studio and began collaborating with Flux Animations on beloved children’s series like Massey and Wiki the Kiwi. Since then, I’ve scored over 2,000 episodes for local and international studios, from The Tiki Tour to Heroes of Goo Jit Zu, with billions of views globally.
I’ve also composed for observational documentaries such as Serious Crash Unit and Road Cops, as well as sound design and mixing for award-winning podcasts like The Commune and audiobooks including Harry Potter in Te Reo Māori.
Outside the studio, I’ve performed as a trumpet player with Katchafire, Batucada Sound Machine, dDub, Sola Rosa, and Ska Cubano. I’m an ultramarathon runner and photographer, and live in Auckland with my wife, our three kids, and our dog Lucy.
ELECTION STATEMENT
As a screen composer, performer, and audio engineer with 26 years of industry experience, I bring a broad and practical understanding of the creative and professional challenges facing music creators today. My long-standing relationship with APRA - beginning with the Ambassador program at its launch and continuing through years of collaboration, including registering hundreds of cues, has given me valuable insight into how the organisation supports its members.
Today’s music landscape is complex, with copyright, royalties, licensing, emerging technologies, and platform opportunities evolving rapidly. For many artists, especially those starting out, navigating these areas can be overwhelming. I’m committed to helping APRA make these essential resources more accessible, clear, and inclusive - ensuring all writer members can confidently engage with their rights and opportunities.
I believe stronger connections between artists and APRA can be built through targeted education and transparent communication. I’m passionate about contributing to this vision and would be honoured to bring my experience, energy, and collaborative spirit to the APRA Board - working to support the collective success and well-being of all members.
Bic Runga MNZM (Incumbent New Zealand Writer Director)
BIOGRAPHY
Since the release of her first single "Drive" in 1996, Bic Runga (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine) has been awarded almost every musical honour in New Zealand, including the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll songwriting award. Bic has won the most Aotearoa Music Awards of any individual (twenty). She has won Best Female Vocalist four times and Best Producer three times.
Bic has been on the APRA AMCOS board as a writer director since 2019 and on the executive committee of the International Council of Music Creators (CIAM) since 2025.
In 2016, she was the recipient of the Legacy Award and was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame, and in 2023, she received the Rolling Stone Icon Award.
ELECTION STATEMENT
I've been proud to serve New Zealand songwriters on the APRA board for the last six years. In that time, APRA has seen consistent annual growth, but there is still work to do to ensure our local New Zealand writers receive a greater share of this success.
As a predominantly export-focused nation, prioritising the export of our music is critical. Equally important, though, is retaining domestic revenue, meaning more New Zealand music on New Zealand airwaves and films.
I'm happy to have been part of and witnessed a wave of APRA initiatives that have fostered greater breadth across genres and demographics, reflecting the diversity of music audiences and the value of all types of music.
I would be humbled to have your continued support to serve as your APRA board representative, and to also complete my term as the APRA representative on The International Council of Music Creators (CIAM), which gives a voice to artists' rights worldwide.
