This category recognises an album or EP released by a New Zealand artist in the eligibility year that has notably impacted the musical landscape.

* The nominated artist must be a New Zealand resident or citizen and must have released the master/s between 1 April 2022 - 31 May 2023.

This category recognises songs released as a single by a New Zealand artist in the eligibility year that has notably impacted the musical landscape.

* The nominated artist must be a New Zealand resident or citizen and must have released the master/s between 1 April 2022 - 31 May 2023.

This category recognises a New Zealand artist whose eligibility-year release(s) broke through into the public consciousness and notably impacted the musical landscape.

* The nominated artist must be a New Zealand resident or citizen and must have released their debut single, EP or Album between 1 April 2022 - 31 May 2023.
NOTE: artists who have been previously nominated for “Best New Artist” are not eligible for this category.

This category recognises a New Zealand artist whose eligibility-year release(s) broke through into the international public consciousness and notably impacted the musical landscape of a global market outside of Australia & New Zealand.

* The nominated artist must be a New Zealand resident or citizen and must have released the master/s between 1 April 2022 - 31 May 2023.