Inner City Noise Control Issues Highlighted by March on Saturday

In protest against the silencing of clubs in the inner city, George FM will make some noise this weekend on the streets of Auckland. The problem was highlighted last weekend at international DJ Stacey Kidd's Centro gig when sound equipment was confiscated by noise control officers at the inner city bar.

The George FM Noise Protest is taking place in Auckland on Saturday the 29th of May beginning from Britomart at 11.15am, marching up Queen St then stopping to create as much noise as possible at Aotea Square in Auckland City from 12pm onwards.

The idea for the protest came on Monday the 24th of May when George FM Breakfast host Peter Urlich asked his listeners to text in with comments
about DJ Stacey Kidd who played at Centro on Saturday the 22nd of May.

One listener texted in and said that the gig was shut down by noise control and the DJ had his turntables confiscated. This spurred more listeners to
text in to the station with other stories of clubs that had been shut down by noise control with Urlich exclaiming that George listeners should stage a
protest.

"The call for the protest generated a huge response. About 100 people texted in, which is massive in text land"

Another independent radio station, 95bfm then got wind of the protest and joined hands with George, with both stations calling out to all those who
are sick of being silenced by ridiculous laws regarding noise in the middle of the city.

George FM Station Manager Thane Kirby wants the protest to focus on the fact that bar and nightclub owners have no defence when a security officer is sent in to determine whether the noise is too loud - it is all down to the security guards personal opinion.

"We need all enforcement authorities to agree on a standard measuring device which all parties can abide by"

The protest is also drawing attention to the massive increase in inner city apartments and the complaints that the residents of these dwellings make
about sound. Owner of the now defunct Temple (an establishment which became famous for its support of live NZ music) Karen q Temple, will be joining the protest and speaking out about how this new trend of inner city living destroyed her dream.

"Music performance is crucial to the health of the New Zealand music industry and to the crucial well being of the country. Noise control issues
severely risk the future of New Zealand music and its performance, and a resolution is necessary for now and for future generations"

www.georgefm.co.nz