Mike's Musings: Arthur Baysting - A Unique Man

In early 1977, Split Enz toured New Zealand under the moniker “Enz of the Earth” with a string of major city town halls and Opera houses coming under the colourful gestures, words and music of the Phil Judd and Tim Finn joint songwriting world.

I was on stage as their bass player. The houses were full and to complement our theatrical adventures we had a musical group perform a support slot. They called themselves Red Mole and they were inventive and eccentric. They were accompanied by a Nelson chap who saw the Split Enz ethos offering a tight, complementary position to Red Mole and off we all went and he steered their popularity with creative advice. It worked well and was a hit.

This man was Arthur Baysting. In time Arthur merged into my world.

L to R: Arthur Baysting, Petrina Togi-Sa'ena, Mike Chunn, Ant Healey. Feb 2014, Celebrating Petrina's 20 years with APRA.

After my tenure in Enz, I firstly applied for and became Director of NZ Operations for APRA. This brought me face to face with many hundreds of New Zealand composers and songwriters and when the time came for a Writer-Director to run for a board position at APRA, representing New Zealand songwriters and their copyright, I was very pleased when Arthur put his hand up for the vote and was elected.

It was the start of a bouyant career which set the stage for one of New Zealand’s most creative and supportive individuals bringing the right infrastructure in the support of NZ songwriting talents.

 2004 Silver Scroll Awards, L to R: Mike Chunn, Bill Moran, Arthur Baysting, Brent Eccles, Trevor Mallard 

So was Arthur a songwriter? Yes he was ! But primarily - a lyric writer of truly engaging, captivating words that mirrored NZ popular culture.

Today we find Arthur has left us - sadly. But his memory and the wonderful echoes of him remain.

The brilliant award recently instigated by APRA & AMCOS is the Baysting Prize for Children’s Champion. Play it Strange was the 2026 recipient of the Baysting Prize at the Children's Music Awards last weekend.

Arthur would cheer this award right to the highest places. His understanding of what makes a song a clever, educational, and creative work makes his name in the title a truly appropriate recognition.

This award will live forever.