Finalists And Key Award Categories For The 2026 Taite Music Prize – Aotearoa’s Premier Celebration Of Independent Music

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.

“The Taite Music Prize celebrates creativity at its core – honouring artists whose music challenges, inspires and reflects the many voices of Aotearoa. We’re especially excited that this year, for the first time, the public can join us in celebrating the artists and albums that make our music community so special,”  says Pippa Ryan-Kidd, Chairperson, IMNZ.

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. Winners receive:

• $2,000 cash prize
• A performance opportunity with Auckland Live
• A studio recording package worth $1,200 courtesy of Parachute Studios

Eligibility is limited to IMNZ members, and releases must contain at least four original songs and be primarily New Zealand-owned. Both solo artists and groups are welcome, provided they meet residency or citizenship requirements.

The judging panel considers creativity, originality, and the overall impact of a debut release on Aotearoa’s music scene. Past winners have gone on to achieve national acclaim and significant international touring success. Daniel Clarke, Director of Auckland Live, says, "The Auckland Live Best Independent Debut category celebrates the fresh talent and creative energy shaping the future of music in Aotearoa. This year’s finalists show just how vibrant and diverse our music community is, and it’s exciting to see artists at the beginning of their journeys being recognised in this way. We’re proud to support this award and the important role it plays in championing independent artists and their stories."

The 2026 finalists for the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut are:

Babe Martin – Not a Bee, but a Wasp (Sunreturn)

Babe Martin is the musical project of Tāmaki Makaurau songwriter Zoë Larsen Cumming. Her EP Not a Bee, but a Wasp pairs velvet-voiced vocals with intimate, piano- and violin-led arrangements.

Bub – Can't Even (Independent)

Bub is the Tāmaki Makaurau band led by Priya Sami alongside Daniel Barrett, David Harris, and Joe Kaptein. Their 2025 debut album blends doo-wop harmonies with post-punk edge and sharp pop songwriting.

Geneva AM – PIKIPIKI (Independent)

Geneva AM is the musical project of Tāmaki Makaurau producer and vocalist Geneva Alexander-Marsters (Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Aitutaki, Palmerston). Her bilingual songwriting bridges contemporary electronic production with waiata traditions.

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. Winners are selected by a panel of music journalists, radio staff, and industry experts, and the award is presented each year at the Taite Music Prize ceremony in Auckland.

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 punkinfused, 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.

Released in 2006 on Flying Nun Records and produced by Kody, Ruban, and their father Chris Nielson, Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No! is the band’s second full-length album. Recorded between Kody’s garage and Chris’s bedroom, the album earned five Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards in 2007 and achieved Gold status. Its jagged rhythms, audacious melodies, and uncompromising style have cemented its place as a classic of New Zealand music, inspiring a generation of artists and continues to resonate across the country’s independent music scene.

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.

Judges look for work that:

• Offers fresh perspectives and creative storytelling
• Shows insightful analysis of artists, trends, or the industry
• Demonstrates influence and reach, engaging audiences nationally or internationally
• Highlights versatility, covering multiple formats and genres

The award recognises both emerging and established creatives who have produced innovative, transformative work and are committed to reporting on New Zealand musicians and the broader music industry.

The 2026 finalists for the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism award are:

CHRIS CUDBY - undertheradar.co.nz Release Roundups

Chris Cudby has been editor of UnderTheRadar since 2017, shaping the site into an essential hub for independent music news, reviews, and discovery across Aotearoa. His Release Roundup column offers readers a consistent, knowledgeable weekly survey of new local and international releases. A musician (Power Nap, Golden Axe) and 95bFM broadcaster in his own right, Cudby brings a practitioner's ear to his criticism. He was previously nominated for this award in 2022 alongside Annabel Kean for UTR's Trash Recital video series.

FLYNN ROBSON, ROSA NEVISON, & SAM ELLIOTT - Newzician Magazine 

Born from a shared love of live music and the Aotearoa scene, Newzician is an independent print magazine dedicated to in-depth coverage of local artists, music culture, and the communities that sustain them. Founded by three friends with deep roots in the local gig circuit, Newzician has carved out a distinct space for long-form music journalism at a time when it is increasingly rare. Now four issues in, the magazine champions a diverse range of New Zealand musicians alongside the venues, labels, and people who keep the scene alive.

HUNTER KEANE - Long Player, 95bFM

Hunter Keane is the host of 95bFM's weekly new release show Totally Wired, and the creator of Long Player -- a segment within the show dedicated to walking a local artist track-by-track through their latest album. Treating the record as an art form rather than a promotional vehicle, Long Player creates genuine space for Aotearoa artists to discuss their work in depth and in their own words. Keane's commitment to championing local music across all genres -- from emerging artists to established names -- has made Long Player one of the most distinctive and valuable platforms for new New Zealand music

The Awards Night
The 2026 Taite Music Prize ceremony will be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), and for the first time in its history, the event is open to the public. Tickets are available now via https://indies.co.nz. 

Alongside live performances throughout the event, Sarah Thomson will return as our cornerstone MC, to guide the ceremony with reliable clarity, refreshing humour and elegant poise.

Alongside the main Taite Music Prize, the ceremony will celebrate:

• Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award
• NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award
• Independent Music NZ Classic Record Award
• Independent Spirit Award, acknowledging individuals or organisations making a lasting impact on the independent music community. This award is determined by the Board of IMNZ.

This year’s announcements reflect the creativity, diversity, and excellence shaping Aotearoa’s music industry, honouring both emerging talent and the legacy of those who continue to inspire.

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