Aotearoa’s boldest independent artists were in the spotlight tonight as the winners of the 2025 Taite Music Prize were unveiled at a vibrant ceremony at Auckland’s Q Theatre, celebrating the depth, resilience and innovation of New Zealand’s music scene.
The night’s top honour – the Taite Music Prize, awarded for outstanding creativity in an album – went to MOKOTRON for their genre-blurring, thematically rich release WAEREA. The album, a powerful statement of sonic experimentation and Indigenous futurism, was hailed by the judging panel as “a landmark achievement in Aotearoa’s contemporary music history.” Alongside the prestigious title, MOKOTRON receives a $12,500 cash prize to support future creative work.
One of the most special albums to come out of the Aotearoa electronic music scene in years, WAEREA was highly praised in our Musicians on Musicians issue. The Māori producer’s personal project also reached No. 2 on our 50 Best New Zealand Albums of 2024 list, and it really could have taken out the top spot.
We even called it: “There’s no way that MOKOTRON won’t be a serious contender at next year’s Taite Music Prize and Aotearoa Music Awards,” we shrewdly wrote at the time, adding that WAEREA “is a mighty album.”
Another key moment of the night came with the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award, which went to rising star Byllie-Jean for her EP Filter. Fusing R&B grooves with te reo Māori and themes of identity, reclamation, and cultural pride, the EP has been lauded for its lyrical vulnerability and fierce creative voice. The award comes with a $2,000 cash prize, an Auckland Live development opportunity, and a $1,200 studio package courtesy of Parachute Studios.
The Independent Spirit Award was presented to Rohan Evans, a figure who has long championed the local music community from the grassroots level. As founder and operator of Auckland’s beloved Wine Cellar venue, Evans has built one of the most vital homes for underground and emerging music in Aotearoa. The award recognises his steadfast commitment to the scene, providing a crucial platform for generations of independent artists.
Rounding out the evening was the Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award, which this year celebrated Shihad’s 1995 juggernaut Killjoy. A defining moment in the evolution of New Zealand hard rock, the album cemented Shihad as a force to be reckoned with both at home and abroad, with tracks like “You Again” and “Bitter” still considered anthems of their time.
Find out more about the 2025 Taite Music Prize here.
