The organisation behind the country's top music awards, the Silver Scrolls, has revoked an award presented to Wellington musician Thomas Oliver.
Photo: Topic Images
Singer-songwriter Oliver has admitted grabbing a woman by the neck after a music awards show four years ago.
APRA awarded him a Silver Scroll in 2016, but has just released a statement saying it would be revoked and his name removed from the award records and trophy.
"This is a matter that we have taken seriously and considered deeply. Our position in relation to matters of safety, sexual harm and harassment is clear, we have no tolerance of it," said APRA head of New Zealand operations Anthony Healey.
APRA said it was "concerned and disappointed" to hear about Oliver's attack.
"These kinds of behaviours have no place in our music community."
It also asked for anyone affected to consider approaching services available to them for support, advice, or to take a complaint forward if they want to do so.
Thomas Oliver accepting the APRA Silver Scroll Award in 2016. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farelly
APRA acknowledged Oliver's admission and apology, and said it supported his pursuit of rehabilitation.
"We will of course continue to work with him and support him in his process where we can."
It said this incident highlighted the "pervasive nature of these issues, and the amount of work that needs to be done to foster a safer, more respectful, and inclusive music community".
APRA said it was reviewing all its terms and conditions for participation in its awards and programs, and reviewing the complaints procedures to ensure professional respect, conduct, and integrity were upheld.
These would be made public soon, it said.
Thomas Oliver Photo: supplied
