Marlon Williams has won the 2026 Taite Music Prize.
Williams won for his acclaimed album Te Whare Tīwekaweka.
His friend and collaborator KOMMI accepted the award on his behalf at the ceremony on Wednesday night (April 29th), which was held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Williams receives a $12,500 cash prize, courtesy of founding partner Recorded Music NZ.
In a recorded acceptance speech from tour in Norway, Williams said: “E mihi ana ki a koe mō māhāra (thank you for your memory), Dylan Taite, and to the Taite family for your legacy — not only for this award, but for the incredible standard you brought to journalism in New Zealand.
“Thank you very much to my fellow musicians — incredible music you all put out this year — very honoured to be amongst your number. Kommi, without your help, I wouldn’t have made this record at all. Thanks for representing this record in the room.”
Elsewhere on the night, the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award went to Geneva AM for her debut album Pikipiki, which placed high on Rolling Stone AU/NZ‘s Best New Zealand Albums of 2025 list.
The Independent Spirit Award was presented to Carmel Bennett, who has played a “pivotal role in landmark events, including Big Day Out and Soundsplash,” according to a press release.
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The IMNZ Classic Record Award went to The Mint Chicks for their classic album Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No! — read all about the album in our Deep Dive feature.
For the first time ever, the Taite Music Prize was open to the public. The expanded format saw 500 tickets issues, with funds raised for MusicHelps, further strengthening the organisation’s vital work supporting music therapy and community initiatives across Aotearoa, alongside essential assistance for music workers in need.
Find out more about the 2026 Taite Music Prize here.
