Voting has opened for a special category at the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards (AMA). Recorded Music NZ, producer and kaitiaki of the AMA, today opened voting for the JD Sports Tā te Iwi | People’s Choice Tūī, the only AMA category decided entirely by the public.
The People’s Choice Tūī celebrates the artists who have connected most strongly with audiences, with the winner determined solely by public vote. All AMA 2026 recording artist finalists are eligible. Voting will close on Tuesday, May 26th at 5pm NZT.
Fans can vote here.
Last year’s award was won by Devilskin.
The finalists for Te Iti Rearea o te Tau | Breakthrough Artist of the Year were recently revealed, with Borderline, MĀ, Shane Walker, and Te Wehi set to battle it out in the category.
The finalists for this year’s other awards were announced last month.
Marlon Williams leads the way with seven nominations thanks to Te Whare Tīwekaweka, his first fully te reo Māori album. Williams’ record won the 2026 Taite Music Prize earlier this week.
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Global pop superstar Lorde is nominated in multiple categories, including Album of the Year (Virgin) and Single of the Year (“What Was That”).
Check out the full list of finalists here.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony at The Civic in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Thursday, May 28th. The event, which will close out Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa | New Zealand Music Month, will be livestreamed on RNZ.
“Congratulations to the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards finalists,” Recorded Music NZ CEO, Jo Oliver, said. “The finalists are a shining example of the range and diversity of musical talent here in New Zealand. From the biggest musical successes of the year to exciting new emerging artists and their music, it is a privilege to promote and celebrate Aotearoa music and to see local artists succeed here and overseas.”
For more information, visit aotearoamusicawards.co.nz
