NZ Music Month / Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa 2026: Week 4 Highlights

A jam-packed and diverse assortment of local music events and initiatives to explore as we segue into week four of NZ Music Month / Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa,. The theme for 2026 is Our Sounds, Our Spaces, here's an updated selection of FREE (and selected notable) events, activities and intiative happening either right now or very soon across the nation...

New Zealand Music Month highlights happening THIS WEEK — check out the UTR gig guide HERE and the NZMM gig guide HERE for a whole bunch more live shows and events nationwide.

Going Local returns to the South Island - Thursday 21st May at South Link Productions, Dunedin & Friday 23rd May at Hokonui Rumania, Gore (free, register asap)
Ever wanted to know more about the music industry – how it works, who to talk to, what you need, why things happen and where you should look for help?
Independent Music New Zealand’s Going Local events provide an opportunity to meet with industry professionals who can offer advice and knowledge that will help to answer some of those questions above!
Each Going Local session includes an hour long panel discussion. Following the panel discussion participants will get the chance to have a one to one 20min conversation with 2-3 Going Local delegates each.

Sounds of Tāmaki Makaurau (free)
Continuing a massive programme of amazing events this week, including:
Emerging Artist Showcases today at Amy Daldy Park, plus this Saturday 23rd May at Franklin Arts Centre.
This Place Here led by Swap Gomez at Kōmanawa Theatre, Te Puna Creative Hub, Henderson on Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd May.
100% NZ line-up of DJs and intimate live sets on Queens Wharf every Friday in May.
Rhythm Nation with Te Whare Karioi every Saturday in May.
Encore! ongoing exhibition at Central City Library.
Music & Merch ongoing exhibition at Kumeū Arts.
+ lots more.

The Uptown Local Voices Series ft. Crystal Chen at Normanby Fine Wines, Auckland - Friday 22nd May (6pm start, free)
A series of free, spontaneous pop-up gigs bringing live music to unexpected spots across the neighbourhood.

Celebrate NZ Music Month at SkyCity! Flare Bar featuring Hedlok (Che-Fu & King Kapisi), Rubi Du with Christoph El Truento, Evander, Friends & Whānau: Bobby Brazuka, Hudge & Vee - Friday 22nd May (7pm start, free)
In partnership with Red Bull, SkyCity showcases a lineup of homegrown talent, from iconic names to the next wave shaping the scene. Expect high-energy live performances, DJs, and unbeatable vibes.

The Country Music Honours at St James Theatre, Gore on Friday 22nd May (ticketed event)
This prestigious event, held as part of the Tussock Country Music Festival, brings together artists, industry professionals, and fans for an unforgettable evening of celebration and live entertainment.

Music Repair Café at Grey Lynn Community Centre - Sunday 24th May (2pm to 4pm, free, koha appreciated for repairs)
Repair Café Aotearoa NZ and Holding Space Aotearoa have banded together to bring you their 3rd ‘Music Repair Cafe’, Tune-Up for Your Instruments - this time in Grey Lynn for NZ Music Month in May!
Their goal is to empower you to care for your instruments, provide practical assistance where possible and foster a culture of repair and sustainability within our music community.
Connect with fellow music lovers, share your experiences, and learn from our knowledgeable volunteers in a friendly and supportive environment.
Plus enjoy live music from Songwriters 4 Climate Action and more!

Waiatahi and Kimi Ora perform at Papanui Library - Monday 25th May (12:30pm to 1pm)
Come along and listen to Papanui High School Choirs Waiatahi and Kimi Ora perform in readiness for the Big Sing competition. Everyone is welcome and no booking required.

NZ Music Quiz Night at Inch Bar, Dunedin - Monday 25th May (7pm start, email to register)
NZ Music Quiz Night and fundraiser for MusicHelps. "Yep… it’s ALL about NZ music. Stuff you’ll know instantly, stuff on the tip of your tongue! And of course we couldn’t resist throwing in a fair few questions about Dunedin bands."

Ongoing:

FromThePit - available online and popping up in locations nationwide during May
Aotearoa’s much-loved annual music photography showcase, is back for its eighth year in 2026, bringing a fresh wave of energy, creativity, and unforgettable live moments from across the motu.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga at Old St Paul's, Wellington - Tuesdays & Wednesdays throughout May (from midday, free)
A series of lunchtime sessions featuring selected 2026 Aotearoa Music Award-nominated albums played in full.

NZ Music Month at Wellington City Libraries (free)
From live performances and hands‑on workshops to talks, clubs, and creative sessions — celebrating music in all its many forms throughout the month. Whether you’re a listener, a maker, or a performer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy — and it’s all free.

FRESH LAUNDRY in laundromats across Auckland - runs to 31st May
A public art installation turning Auckland laundromats into unlikely music discovery destinations this May. Five washing machine jukeboxes will be installed in laundromats across Tāmaki Makaurau during NZ Music Month, playing a specially compiled album of Aotearoa C-Sides, for anyone waiting on a spin cycle to finish.

Get the jump on NZ Music T-Shirt Day (29th May) and peruse the NZ Music Month artists' merch directory, shop direct from the source HERE.

Voting has officially opened for the 2026 JD Sports Tā te Iwi | People's Choice Tūī award, you can vote for your fave HERE.

Notable NZMM events / initiatives coming up:

Aotearoa Music Awards at The Civic, Auckland - 28th May

NZ Music T-Shirt Day - 29th May
It's about celebrating great New Zealand music and showing your support by sporting your favourite band tee. It's all about fun, but also has a really important purpose in raising funds for MusicHelps.

Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa is run by the NZ Music Commission, celebrating music from New Zealand and the people who make it.