In April 2007 the government released a discussion paper, seeking feedback on the possible establishment of a “resale royalty right” for visual artists. A resale royalty right is also known as “droit de suite” or an “artist’s resale right”. This means visual artists receive a royalty payment each time their original art work is resold on the secondary art market. A resale right currently exists in around 50 countries, including the United Kingdom where it was introduced in February 2006.
The government examined international developments relating to a resale right, and the possible impact of applying such a right in New Zealand. As part of this project, the Ministry prepared a discussion paper. This discussion paper provided an overview of these international developments, and looked at a number of options that could form the basis of a resale right scheme in New Zealand
Submissions were sought from a range of interested parties including artists; art collectors; art dealers, galleries and auctioneers; secondhand dealers; museums; art institutions; and any other person or group with an interest in the buying or selling of visual art. Submissions closed in June 2007. Over 200 submissions were received, with most favouring a resale right.