Neil Finn says the Government has failed in its duty.
Neil Finn has fired a fresh shot across the Government's bow, again criticising its arts policy.
In this week's Listener magazine, Finn says Labour's arts policy has not been scrutinised or criticised enough. He also says it "has let down young people".
Finn was in America with his
wife last week and could not be contacted for comment. Prime Minister Helen Clark, who is also Minister for Arts and Culture, called his comments "a mystery".
In May Finn told Real Groove magazine: "It sort of makes me sick to see Helen Clark getting up at the music awards and taking the bows... It's like New Zealand music is taking over the world and it's all because of Helen."
At the time, Clark declined to comment, saying she would not get into a row with Finn. She did say that she was proud to support the industry.
Finn told the Listener Labour had "a pretty easy run" because the sector was grateful it had acknowledged the arts.
But that had inhibited criticism of its policies.
Finn said the Government had let down young people by rejecting a national youth radio network. His stance won measured support from Eddie Rayner, also a former Split Enz member, who dubbed his friend's comments "old wisdom".
