The Mint Chicks to Receive IMNZ Classic Record + Best Independent Debut & Music Journalism Award Finalists Announced

Our social media channels have been overloaded this morning with a veritable flood of exciting news from Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ). The finalists for the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut and NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism awards have been revealed, plus legends of 21st century Aotearoa punk rock The Mint Chicks will receive the IMNZ Classic Record for their roundly beloved sophomore album Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No! — the era-defining creation of brothers Kody and Ruban Nielson, Paul Roper and Michael Logie, released in 2006 via Flying Nun Records.

These prestigious accolades will be doled out alongside the main prize and the Independent Spirit Award at the 17th annual Taite Music Prize ceremony, to be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC)in Tāmaki Makaurau on 29th April (tickets available to the public for the first time), MC'd by the wonderful Sarah Thomson. We've been popping corks in the office as this is the third year we've been finalist for the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism award, excellent to see UTR alum Hunter Keane in the running too. Here's today's rundown of 2026 finalists...

"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." - Pippa Ryan-Kidd, Chairperson, IMNZ

2026 Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award

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, and studio recording package worth $1,200 courtesy of Parachute Studios. The debut collections shortlisted for the 2026 Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award are...

Babe Martin – Not a Bee, but a Wasp (Sunreturn)
Bub – Can't Even (Independent)
Geneva AM – PIKIPIKI (Independent)

2026 NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award

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 NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award finalists for 2026 are...

Chris Cudby - UTR Release Roundup column
Flynn Robson, Rosa Nevison, & Sam Elliott - Newzician Magazine
Hunter Keane - Long Player, 95bFM

Smash play on 'Walking Off A Cliff Again', from Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No! by The Mint Chicks...