The Waiata Māori Music Awards Trust has announced finalists for the 2026 Waiata Māori Music Awards, taking place on Friday, 25 September at the Toi Toi Hawkes Bay Arts & Events Centre in Hastings.

The theme for the 19th national Waiata Māori Music Awards is a call to remain strong and steadfast, Ake Ake Kia Kaha E! (Forever and Ever, Be Strong!) – chosen to reflect the enduring strength, resilience, courage and cultural pride of Māori communities.

The theme pays tribute to the men of the 28th Māori Battalion, whose lives exemplified courage, leadership, service and commitment to whānau, hapū and iwi.

Finalists include:

Te Tohu Kaipūoru Aratini Māori | Best Pop Album by a Māori Artist

• Rei – ‘Moisturise & Decolonise’
• Theia – ‘In A Savage World’
• Mistee K – ‘To Be Continued’

Te Tohu Kaipūoru Māori Autaia | Best RnB & Hip Hop Album by a Māori Artist

• La Coco – ‘Echoes’
• Rei – ‘Moisturise & Decolonise’
• Mistee K – ‘To Be Continued’

Te Tohu Kōpaeroa Autaia | Best Māori Urban Roots & Reggae Album

• Come On Up – ‘Peace Love And Light’
• NLC – ‘The Drive Home’

Te Tohu Rōpū Māori Autaia | Best Māori Group

• Son & Water
• Come On Up
• Dillastrate

Te Tohu o Te Kaititio Waiata | Best Māori Songwriter

• Theia
• Dillastrate
• Haana

Te Tohu Kōpae Reo Māori Autaia | Best Te Reo Māori Album

• Haana – ‘Tōku Ao’
• Huia – ‘Kawakawa’
• Geneva AM – ‘Pikipiki’

Te Tohu Manu Tioriori Wahine Autaia | Best Female Māori Solo Artist

• Ra Charmian
• Jaedyn Randell
• Theia

Te Tohu Manu Tioriori Tāne Autaia | Best Māori Male Solo Artist

• Te Wehi
• Rei
• Tipene

Te Tohu Ataata Autaia | Best Music Video by a Māori Artist

• Haana – Wahine Toa
• Tipene – He Tangata
• Theia – Holy War II