Strumming for our shrapnel: Rachelle Robati, Bishop Viard College, and Rosie Duxfield, Tawa College, set up under the canopies for a few hours of performance.
With the advent of summer North Wellington councils have seen a rise in people applying for busking licences, but the trick to success is still choosing the right spot. Porirua City Council communications advisor Moana Wyatt says the council requires a reasonable standard of talent and presentation and buskers should pick a spot where shop owenrs won?t be offended. However, because there is no permit-fee for performing the council is laid-back. ?There are often buskers under the canopies and if they are not causing a problem then we leave them be. ?There is one gent down there that sets up and he can?t play a thing, he just likes to sit there and pluck his guitar ? we wouldn?t move someone like that on,? says Mrs Wyatt. Electricity supply connections are available in the canopied areas of the central shopping centre for use in public events. ?We are generally happy about quality buskers in the city,? she says. Northern suburbs under the Wellington City Council usually see busking around malls and supermarkets. The Council says they embrace street performance as a colourful part of Wellington's identity and licences to busk are free. Permission must be gained from the council to perform in any of the city?s parks and performances involving dangerous materials or objects require a special permit. Supermarkets can be adverse to buskers and choosing a spot that won?t impede foot traffic is important. In the Hutt City street musicians must apply for a yearly licence and environmental inspections team leader John Pepper says requests are up for Christmas time. ?Younger people want to busk around this time and we have a fair few applications. ?We want to encourage it, there is a school of through that says it adds a bit of colour and character to the place,? says Mr Pepper. For under 18 year-olds the licence is free and $20 for anyone else. Some people reapply for their licence every year, but Mr Pepper was not at liberty to comment on the calibre of their performances. ?Sometimes we get complaints from commercial interests where people overstay their welcome, but it normally works quite well. ?Queensgate is a popular spot and Jackson Street gets busier around Christmas time,? he says.
