Auckland buskers call for change to rules
Street performers say a crackdown on busking outside Auckland’s busiest train station is harshing the city’s vibe.
Auckland Live – which manages the square – has promised to review its rules after the band of musicians and magicians started making noise.
For street performers like Zach “Zaktakular” Washer, Te Komititanga square outside Waitematā Train Station is the premier spot to find an audience.
So it came as a shock when compliance officers warned him two weeks ago that he was not allowed to perform there without special permission.
“It’s not great finding out I don’t have access to a place where I make the majority of my income when I don’t have gigs coming through,” the full-time acrobat and juggler said.
“It’s winter, it’s kind of a lean time of year for events and stuff, so I rely on [busking] a lot more.”
Street performer Zach “Zaktakular” Washer puts on a show for the crowd.
Supplied
The square is managed by Auckland Live, which told RNZ the popular spot had been a restricted area since late last year.
“Apparently it’s been that way for a long time, but even though we do hand over our contact details, nobody notified us,” Washer said.
He said the wide open space was an ideal area for circus acts.
“It doesn’t even take a trained eye to see it, this is an attractive spot to come and do a show, or play a guitar. It’s a no brainer,” he said.
“They’ll never stop having to turn people away from here.”
Deston Rodriguez, a magician who had performed outside Britomart for the past two years, agreed.
“I absolutely love this place, it’s my favourite place to perform,” he said.
“It’s just a prime location, you’ve got the train station right there, the bus station, ferry terminal, Queen Street just over there, all directions you’ve got people coming at you.”
As word about the restrictions travelled throughout the busking community, Rodriguez was heartbroken.
“I was a bit shocked, because this is really the only place that us circle performers can busk,” he said.
“It hurts a little bit. My favourite spot is no longer viable for me to do what I love doing. Yeah, it’s a bit disappointing.”
Rodriguez said his act could not easily be moved.
“Zach and I, what we do is we build a ‘circle show,’ we’re trying to engage people and keep their attention for a longer period of time,” he said.
“Because of that, we need more space, because people don’t want to be crowded. We can’t do that along Queen Street.”
Magician Deston Rodriguez.
RNZ / Felix Walton
Many passers-by told RNZ they appreciated the energy buskers brought to the city centre.
“I think they bring energy to a city. When you go into Melbourne they’ve got buskers and I think it’s a really good thing,” one said.
“I like it. We’re not really from a town that has a lot of that sort of stuff, so coming here and seeing it is quite cool,” said another.
One local Steve said it provided entertainment at a time when many families were doing it tough.
“The cost of living is hard these days. Mum and dad out there in the suburbs, they’ve got enough for a train ride to bring the kids into town, they get off here at Britomart and they get to see a magic show for free,” he said.
“They might have a bit of money left to go to McDonald’s and get themselves an ice cream, or maybe even a ride to Devonport. That’s a great day out for kids with the cost of living now.”
Seventeen-year-old musician Lucas Giles-Kang said busking added to the city’s culture and should be embraced, not rejected.
“I’m really impressed by the busking culture here, and I think it’s something we should take pride in,” he said.
“There’s kids all the time that stop when I’m playing and are excited to dance around, and there’s kids my age that love it. It’s a cultural thing. I believe so, anyways.”
In a statement, Auckland Live said it would review the current restrictions and engage with businesses and performers to find a solution.
“The restricted area designation was never intended to prohibit busking or discourage street performers,” director Daniel Clarke said.
“Auckland Live will work with stakeholders to better understand how busking can continue to contribute to the energy and vitality of Te Komititanga while ensuring public spaces remain accessible, safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
Zaktakular said that was encouraging.
“I’m hopeful that they can come to something that’s going to not discourage people from wanting to try their hand at street performing or busking,” he said.
“We’ve got an opportunity, with the city kind of being rejuvenated, to really nurture a growing scene.”
He said several buskers were coming together on Saturday to protest the restrictions, but hoped it could turn into a celebration if Auckland Live eased the rules before then.