Taite Music Prize 2026 Finalists Announced

Founded in 2009 in tribute to champion of Aotearoa music journalism and gonzo style Dylan Taite — he who infamously interviewed the Sex Pistols outside Buckingham Palace in 1976 — the top ten finalists for the 2026 Taite Music Prize have been revealed. Whittled down from a much longer list of self-submitted nominees "by a voting body of 1000 Independent Music New Zealand members and music industry peers", the ultimate winner of this year's Taite Music Prize will be selected by an independent judging panel of artists, journalists, and industry experts who will have their work cut out for them.

Recognising "originality... artistic merit, creativity, innovation and excellence", the prestigious accolade comes with a $12,500 cash prize, courtesy of Recorded Music NZ. The winner will also receive a hefty eight kilogram trophy designed by Stephen McCarthy — resembling a car stereo amplifier crossed with Stonehenge, or a person standing behind a lilo — "a simple 'T' mark, created from two different linestrokes, a metaphor for the relationship between commercial and independent music".

Brought to you by Independent Music NZ (IMNZ), in partnership with Recorded Music NZ, this year's Taite Music Prize presentation ceremony is shifting location to the larger capacity New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) on 29th April, with tickets being available to the public for the first time ever. Accolades to be doled out on the night also include the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award, the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award, the IMNZ Classic Record and the Independent Spirit Award. Salute this year's finalists and look out for more big announcements to come...

"Each year we’re struck by the extraordinary depth and quality of album-making in Aotearoa. To recognise these ten outstanding works — and to now share that celebration with the wider community — is incredibly special" - Dylan Pellett, General Manager, Independent Music NZ

The 2026 Taite Music Prize Finalists (in alphabetical order)

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