2026 Aotearoa Music Awards: The Best and Worst Moments
Last night's Aotearoa Music Awards had memorable speeches, big wins, and some not-so-good moments. In other words, a vintage awards show.
Get The Magazine
The best in culture from a cultural icon. Subscribe now for more from the authority on music, entertainment, politics and pop culture.
Subscribe Now
Last night's Aotearoa Music Awards had memorable speeches, big wins, and some not-so-good moments. In other words, a vintage awards show.
Our editorial team consider the runners and riders in some of the main categories at the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards.
Read an exclusive interview with Māori producer and vocalist Geneva AM, one of our Future of Music 2026 acts
Our annual Future of Music list returns with another crop of exciting Aotearoa and Australian acts ready for the global stage
Geneva AM earned the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award thanks to the spellbinding 'Pikipiki'. Here's why she won.
Williams receives a $12,500 cash prize, courtesy of founding partner Recorded Music NZ
Geneva AM, Stan Walker, Tami Neilson, Dick Move, Ringlets, Phoebe Rings, and more are amongst this year's finalists
Hosted on Rolling Stone AU/NZ for the third time, 'INTROS' is back to introduce you to the best rising stars in New Zealand music
This year's ceremony will be held at the NZICC, and for the first time in its history, the event will be open to the public
Presenting our favourite Australian and New Zealand songs of the 21st century so far, featuring Lorde, Kylie, Powderfinger, Stan Walker, and more