NLNZ guidance: Amalgamations

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LocalPolicy

2026/06/16


An amalgamation is an expression of a single work that includes contributions that cannot be separated into other expressions. These contributions may be associated with a single agent, or multiple agents.

Only treat an expression as an amalgamation if the contributions are truly inseparable. If a ‘main’ kind of content can be identified, and other content appears supplementary, consider that there are at least two expressions:

  • a main expression
  • one or more supplementary expressions

See: NLNZ guidance: Aggregate manifestations

NLNZ will describe as an amalgamation:


A work that is expressed as a seamless mix of text and image content

Use the NLNZ MAP Static Still Image and Text Amalgamation

Examples of these types of amalgamations:

  • Graphic novels
  • Comics
  • Picture books where a single person is responsible for both the text and the images and these are seamlessly integrated - both the text and the images are necessary to convey the story.

Examples 

Example 1: A graphic novel with a seamless mix of text and images contributed by two agents

The anaconda attack

Manifestation

Entity 

Element 

Value 

Manifestation

expression manifested

Smith, Sam (Comedian). Anaconda attack. English

Manifestation

illustrative content

illustrations

Manifestation

note on manifestation

"Text … Sam Smith; illustrations ... César Lador"--Title page verso

Manifestation

title proper

The anaconda attack

Work   

Entity 

Element 

Value 

Work 

author person 

Smith, Sam (Comedian)

Work  

artist person 

Lador, César

Expression  

Entity 

Element 

Value 

Expression 

content type 

text

Expression 

content type 

still image

Expression 

language of expression 

eng

Example 2: A picture book with a seamless mix of text and images contributed by a single agent

The pōhutukawa Christmas tree

Manifestation

Entity 

Element 

Value 

Manifestation 

colour content 

colour

Manifestation 

expression manifested 

 

Kay, Steven (Artist). Pōhutukawa Christmas tree. English

Manifestation

illustrative content

illustrations

Manifestation

note on manifestation

“Text and illustrations … Steven Kay”--Imprint page.

Manifestation 

statement of responsibility 

Steven Kay

Manifestation 

title proper 

The pōhutukawa Christmas tree

Work   

Entity 

Element 

Value 

Work 

author person

 

Kay, Steven (Artist)

Work  

artist person 

Kay, Steven (Artist)

Expression  

Entity 

Element 

Value 

Expression 

content type 

text

Expression 

content type 

still image

Expression 

language of expression 

eng


A notated music work that is expressed as a seamless mix of notated music and text content

Use the NLNZ MAP Static Notated Music Amalgamation

Examples of these types of amalgamations:

  • A song cycle
  • A musical setting of a poem

Examples

A choral work with a seamless mix of notated music and text contributed by two agents

Manifestation

Entity

Element

Value

Manifestation

expression manifested

Utting, Craig. Chestnuts on a mantelpiece

Manifestation

other title information

SSAA & piano duet

Manifestation

statement of responsibility relating to title proper

poem, Brian Turner ; music, Craig Utting

Manifestation

title proper

Chestnuts on a mantelpiece

Work

Entity

Element

Value

Work

author person

Turner, Brian, 1944-2025

Work

composer person of work

Utting, Craig

Expression

Entity

Element

Value

Expression

content type

notated music

Expression

content type

text

Expression

form of musical notation

staff notation

Expression

language of expression

eng


A notated music work that is expressed as a seamless mix of more than one form of musical notation

Use the NLNZ MAP Static Notated Music Amalgamation

Examples of these types of amalgamations:

  • A score with staff notation and chord symbols

Examples

Example 1: An instrumental work with a seamless mix of graphic notation and staff notation

Manifestation

Entity

Element

Value

Manifestation

expression manifested

Smalley, Denis, 1946- Clarinet threads

Manifestation

other title information

for amplified clarinet and tape

Manifestation

statement of responsibility relating to title proper

Denis Smalley

Manifestation

title proper

Clarinet threads

Work

Entity

Element

Value

Work

composer person of work

Smalley, Denis, 1946-

Expression

Entity

Element

Value

Expression

content type

notated music

Expression

form of musical notation

graphic notation

Expression

form of musical notation

staff notation


Example 2: A song with a seamless mix of staff notation, chord symbols, notated music, and text, by a single agent

Manifestation

Entity

Element

Value

Manifestation

expression manifested

Ellis, Robbie, 1984- Quel problème?

Manifestation

other title information

for mezzo-soprano and piano

Manifestation

statement of responsibility relating to title proper

Robbie Ellis

Manifestation

title proper

Quel problème?

Work

Entity

Element

Value

Work

author person

Ellis, Robbie, 1984-

Work

composer person of work

Ellis, Robbie, 1984-

Expression

Entity

Element

Value

Expression

content type

notated music

Expression

content type

text

Expression

form of musical notation

chord symbols

Expression

form of musical notation

staff notation

Expression

language of expression

eng

Expression

language of expression

fre

Expression

language of expression

In English with some phrases and words in French


A performed music work where the expressed contributions are inseparable

Use the NLNZ MAP Static Performed Music Amalgamation

Examples of these types of amalgamations:

  • A pop song

Example

An alternative rock song written by a single agent

Manifestation

Entity

Element

Value

Manifestation

statement of responsibility relating to title proper

She's So Rad

Manifestation

title proper

Time

Manifestation

work manifested

She's So Rad (Musical group). Time

Work

Entity

Element

Value

Work

composer corporate body of work

She's So Rad (Musical group)

Work

lyricist corporate body

She's So Rad (Musical group)

Expression

Entity

Element

Value

Expression

content type

performed music

Expression

language of expression

eng

Expression

performer corporate body

She's So Rad (Musical group)