THE TAITE MUSIC PRIZE 2026
Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ) is thrilled to announce the finalists and key award categories for the 2026 Taite Music Prize – Aotearoa’s premier celebration of independent music. Now in its 17th year, the Prize continues to highlight albums of depth, vision, and artistic integrity, while honouring the creative contributions of emerging and established artists, journalists, and industry figures.
Taite Music Prize Finalists
Selected from albums released in the 2025 calendar year, these ten records represent the breadth, ambition, and creative excellence currently shaping Aotearoa’s independent music scene.
The Finalists are:
Dick Move - 'Dream, Believe, Achieve' (1:12 Records & Flying Nun Records)
Geneva AM - 'PIKIPIKI' (Independent)
Jazmine Mary - 'I Want to Rock and Roll' (Flying Nun Records)
MĀ - 'Blame It On The Weather' (Independent)
Marlon Williams - 'Te Whare Tīwekaweka' (Marlon Williams Music)
Phoebe Rings - 'Aseurai' (Carpark Records)
Reb Fountain - 'How Love Bends' (Fountain Records Limited)
Ringlets - 'The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time for Walkies)' (Flying Nun Records)
Tom Scott - 'ANITYA' (Years Gone By)
Womb - 'One Is Always Heading Somewhere' (Flying Nun Records)
Auckland Live Best Independent Debut
Celebrating the freshest independent talent in Aotearoa, this award recognises outstanding debut albums or EPs released in the previous year.
The Finalists are:
Babe Martin - 'Not A Bee, But A Wasp' (Sunreturn)
Bub - 'Not Even' (Independent)
Geneva AM - 'PIKIPIKI' (Independent)
Independent Music NZ Classic Record
Honouring the gold nuggets of New Zealand’s musical history, the Independent Music NZ Classic Record award recognises albums released at least 20 years ago on an independent label that have had a lasting impact on Aotearoa’s sound.
This year, attention is drawn to The Mint Chicks’ landmark album, Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!
One of Aotearoa’s most influential independent bands, The Mint Chicks forged a reputation for chaotic energy, inventive songwriting, and unforgettable live shows. Formed in Tāmaki Makaurau by brothers Kody and Ruban Nielson, with drummer Paul Roper and bassist Michael Logie, the band became renowned for their punk‑infused, unpredictable sound and fearless DIY ethos. Their visual identity was just as distinctive–album artwork, often designed by Ruban Nielson himself, became nearly as recognisable as the music, mirroring the band’s off-kilter creativity and cementing their place as one of the most aesthetically and sonically singular acts of their era.
NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism
Honouring journalists, bloggers, or editors who have made a real impact on Aotearoa’s music scene through their music coverage. This award celebrates ethical storytelling across audio, video, written, or podcast formats.
The Finalists are:
CHRIS CUDBY - undertheradar.co.nz Release Roundups
HUNTER KEANE - Long Player, 95bFM
FLYNN ROBSON, ROSA NEVISON, & SAM ELLIOTT - Newzician Magazine
The 2026 Taite Music Prize ceremony will be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) on Wednesday 29 April, and for the first time in its history, the event is open to the public. Tickets are available now via https://indies.co.nz.
95bFM 
