Marlon Williams was the big winner at last night’s 2026 Taite Music Prize ceremony.
Williams won the main prize for his acclaimed album Te Whare Tīwekaweka.
His friend and collaborator KOMMI accepted the award on his behalf at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
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.”
Image: KOMMI Credit: Supplied
Despite it being a typically strong year for the main prize — the top 10 also featured excellent albums by Dick Move, Geneva AM, Jazmine Mary, and more — Williams always felt like the slight favourite.
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He took out the top spot in our Best New Zealand Albums of 2025 list with Te Whare Tīwekaweka, after we previously gave the album a rare 4.5/5 review.
“Te Whare Tīwekaweka is the album we’ve all been waiting for from Marlon Williams — a stunning ode to love, life, and connection, sung entirely in te reo Māori,” our review read.
“His voice packs a velvet punch, rolling over breezy country-bluegrass strums and simple, pop-tinged melodies. Williams’ album is indebted to the late Hirini Melbourne’s minimalist style. Add the rich choral harmonies of He Waka Kōtuia, and these waiata hit deep — like a warm embrace that calls you home to te ao Māori.”
Other critics in Aotearoa and beyond also loved Williams’ most personal album to date.
“Marlon Williams’ fourth release… is a radiant, uplifting and spiritual album that feels like home,” CLASH wrote in a 9/10 review.
“Te Whare Tīwekaweka is an opportunity for Williams redefine and reclaims his heritage and find himself, immersing in the Māori world, tikanga and te reo and waiata, crafting an exquisite modern classic along the way,” praised Muzic.NZ.
Next up in awards season is the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards. Williams leads the way with an impressive seven nominations, with even pop superstar (and Williams collaborator) Lorde trailing behind.
The Aotearoa Music Awards (formerly known as the New Zealand Music Awards) have been kind to Williams in the past, with his most recent win coming in 2024 for Best Solo Artist, so he’ll likely feel confident about winning in at least one category at this year’s awards.
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.
Bookending the Aotearoa Music Awards ceremony is a national tour for Williams, which he’ll complete before going on an extended touring hiatus.
“I’m gonna take some time away for a bit. Probably not ages in the scheme of things, but it’s time to take some time!” Williams previously explained in a press statement.
Following his run of shows in Australia, he’ll return home for dates across his home country at the end of May (see full dates below).
“Kiaora e te whanau ō ngā motu, I hope you’re staying safe and dry! The Benders and I are coming home for one last bunch of shows before we shut down shop for a while, and we’ll be playing tunes from the last album all the way back to the first. Nau maiiii!” he said.
Read our album interview with Williams here.
Marlon Williams and the Yarra Benders 2026 New Zealand Tour
Ticket information available here
Friday, May 22nd
Civic Theatre, Auckland
Saturday, May 23rd
Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
Wednesday, May 27th
Trafalgar Centre, Nelson
Saturday, May 30th
Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch
