Independent Music NZ (IMNZ) has announced the 10 finalists for the 2026 Taite Music Prize, along with news that the annual celebration of independent album-making excellence will a public presentation, rather than being an industry-invited event as it has previously been.
Now in its 17th year, the Taite Music Prize continues to honour albums of depth, vision, and artistic integrity, recognising work that transcends trends and contributes meaningfully to NZ’s cultural landscape.
Marking a new chapter the 2026 ceremony will be held on April 29 at the just recently opened NZ International Convention Centre (NZICC), and for the first time will be open to the public. IMNZ say expanding into the bigger Auckland venue and welcoming a wider audience reflects the Taite Prize’s commitment to sharing the celebration of independent music more extensively.
Dick Move – ‘Dream, Believe, Achieve’ – The Tāmaki Makaurau punk band’s second album delivers high-voltage garage punk with sharp social commentary.
Geneva AM – ‘PIKIPIKI – Beatmaker and vocalist, this debut album from the Tāmaki Makaurau artist showcases a bilingual approach blending R&B and electronic influences.
Jazmine Mary – ‘I Want to Rock and Roll’ – The Auckland-based artist’s third album spans noir folk and alternative, with a visual and sonic world shaped by their performance art.
MĀ – ‘Blame It On The Weather’ — From Te Whanganui-a-Tara, the singer-songwriter’s second album explores personal and political themes across hip hop, neo-soul, and jazz-infused tracks.
Marlon Williams – ‘Te Whare Tīwekaweka’ – Ōtautahi-born artist’s fourth solo album, recorded entirely in te reo Māori, is a deeply personal folk work that topped the Official Aotearoa Music Charts.
Phoebe Rings – ‘Aseurai’ – The debut album from this Tāmaki Makaurau dream-pop project of immersive soundscapesblends lush synth textures with introspective songwriting.
Reb Fountain – ‘How Love Bends’ – Winner of the Taite Music Prize in 2021, the Tāmaki Makaurau songwriter’s sixth album refines noir-tinged indie rock into intimate, emotionally resonant tracks.
Ringlets – The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time for Walkies) – Mostly Tāmaki Makaurau-based, the post-punk outfit’s second album combines angular instrumentation with darkly humorous lyrics.
Tom Scott – ‘ANITYA’ —2019 Taite Music Prize winner with Avantdale Bowling Club, the Tāmaki Makaurau artist’s first solo album blends experimental hip hop and jazz into a spiritually reflective, genre-defying work. Widely acclaimed as a bold pivot from his previous projects.
Womb – ‘One Is Always Heading Somewhere’ – The Te Whanganui-a-Tara sibling trio’s third album delivers expansive, atmospheric indie rock marked by emotional depth.
The Taite Music Prize ceremony also includes a number of other awards:
Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award – recognising Aotearoa’s most exciting emerging talent;
NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award – celebrating excellence in music storytelling;
IMNZ Classic Record – honouring an album that has left an enduring mark on New Zealand’s musical history;
Independent Spirit Award – acknowledging individuals or organisations making a lasting impact on the independent music community;
