His Master's Voice (NZ) Ltd dominated the early days of the New Zealand recording industry. Until the mid 1970's it was the biggest manufacturer and distributor of records in New Zealand. In 1970 it became H.M.V. (NZ) Ltd and in 1972 it rebranded itself as EMI (NZ) Ltd. It released records under it's own His Master's Voice, H.M.V. and EMI labels as well as multiple subsidiary labels.
Apple
Apple: 1968-76
In 1968 H.M.V. (NZ) Ltd obtained the rights to the The Beatles newly formed label Apple Records. Apple singles were issued in their traditional black
sleeves.
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| Sleeve 1968-72 |
Most Apple sleeves were printed the same on both sides of the sleeve. But in the late 1960's some featured an ad for BOAC.
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| Sleeve back 1969 |
When H.M.V. was re-branded as EMI in 1972 the sleeve changed accordingly. This sleeve had the same design on both sides.
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| Sleeve 1972-76 |
The label had "Made in New Zealand By His Master's Voice (NZ) Ltd" printed on it right up to 1976.
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| Label 1968-76 |
The Apple label stopped releasing singles in New Zealand in 1976.
Bell
Bell: 1968-72
From 1968 to 1972 American label Bell Records were manufactured and distributed in New Zealand by H.M.V. Singles were issued in a unique Bell Records sleeve.
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| Sleeve 1968-70 |
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| Label 1968-70 |
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| Sleeve (H.M.V.) 1970-72 |
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| Label (H.M.V.) 1970-72 |
Bell: 1972-74
Between 1972 and 1974 Polygram took over marketing Bell Records in New Zealand. Bell singles were issued in the generic Polygram company sleeve.
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| Sleeve and Label 1972-74 |
Bell: 1974-76
In 1974 EMI started distributing Bell records again and an unique sleeve was reintroduced.
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| Sleeve (EMI) 1974-76 |
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| Label (EMI) 1974-76 |
Bell records was wound down in New Zealand in 1976.
Deram
Deram: 1966-74
In 1966 His Master's Voice (NZ) Ltd began distributing the newly formed British label Deram Records in New Zealand.
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| Sleeve 1966-68 |
In 1968 the sleeve design was changed.
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| Sleeve 1968-74 |
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| Label 1966-72 Label 1972-74 |
Double Gold
Double Gold: 1980-81
Double Gold was EMI New Zealand's re-issue label in 1980-81. Both sides
of the single featured a hit by the Artist. For example The Who's Double
Gold single of Substitute had I Can See For Miles as the B-Side. All
Double Gold were issued in an unique yellow EMI company sleeve.
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| Sleeve 1980-81 |
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| Label 1980-81 |
Harvest
Harvest: 1970-77
In 1970 His Master's Voice (NZ) Ltd began distributing the newly formed British label Harvest in New Zealand. Singles were issued in a unique Harvest sleeve.
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| Sleeve 1970-77 |
I am unsure what sleeves were used after 1972 when H.M.V. (NZ) Ltd was rebranded as EMI (NZ) Ltd. It could have been a similar sleeve to one above but with 'Distributed by EMI (NZ) Ltd' printed on it. I have not come across a copy of that sleeve. They could have been issued in the EMI company sleeve or the more likely the purple EMI Sleeve. If you can shed light on this please leave a comment.
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| Label 1970-73 Label 1973-77 |
Immediate
1968-69
Immediate Records were released in New Zealand by H.M.V. (NZ) ltd
between 1968 and 1969. Although it did have an unique sleeve most
Immediate singles were issued in a white sleeve.
Probe
H.M.V. (NZ) Ltd started distributing new formed British label Probe Records in New Zealand in 1971. Singles were issued in an unique Probe label.
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| Sleeve 1971-73 (H.M.V.) |
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| Label 1971-73 (H.M.V.) |
When H.M.V. (NZ) Ltd was rebranded as EMI (NZ) Ltd in 1972 the sleeve changed to reflected this.
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| Sleeve 1973-75 (EMI) |
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| Label 1973-75 (EMI) |
Probe stopped releasing singles in New Zealand in 1975.
RAK
RAK: 1970-72
H.M.V. obtained the rights to release the newly formed British label RAK label in New Zealand in 1970. Singles were issued in an unique RAK sleeve.
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| Sleeve 1970-72 |
Most RAK sleeves were printed the same on both sides of the sleeve but some were issued with an ad for BOAC printed on the back.
Some RAK singles could have been issued in the purple EMI sleeve with
Distributed In New Zealand By H.M.V. printed on the back but I am unsure
of this. If you can shed some light on this please leave a comment or
email me.
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| Sleeve 1970-72? |
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| Label 1970-72 |
RAK 1972-83
H.M.V. (NZ) Ltd rebranded itself as EMI (NZ) Ltd in 1972.
RAK singles were issued in a unique dark blue RAK sleeve similar to the above
H.M.V. sleeve but with 'Distributed By EMI' instead of
H.M.V. printed on them. Unfortunately I don't have a copy of that
sleeve. Some RAK singles were issued in the purple EMI sleeve with Distributed In New Zealand By EMI printed on
the back.
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| Sleeve 1972-76? |
By 1976 RAK singles were being issued in the blue EMI company sleeve.
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Sleeve 1976-83
|
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| Label 1972-83 |
EMI stopped issuing singles on the RAK label in 1983.
Stateside
Stateside: 1962-75
His Master's Voice (NZ) Ltd had the licenses to release a range of smaller American labels in New Zealand. It included Laurie, Swan and the early Motown Records. In 1962 it started marketed these releases on one label, Stateside. Originally singles were issued in then H.M.V. company sleeve.
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Sleeve 1962-64
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| Label 1962-64 Label 1964-67 |
In 1964 an unique Stateside sleeve was introduced. I am unsure if this sleeve was used up until 1975. I have seen a version with 'Distributed by EMI (NZ) Ltd' printed on it. Which must have been printed after 1972. Unfortunately I don't have a copy. If you can help out please email or leave a comment.
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| Sleeve 1964-75 |
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| Sleeve back Late 1960's |
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| Label 1968-75 |
Stateside stopped issuing singles in 1975.
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