The Pacific Music Awards Trust has announced that entries are open for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards, which will be held on Wednesday 12 August, at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, Auckland.

The Pacific Music Awards ceremony celebrates current artists, honours history and looks to the future of Pacific music. Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open to all Pacific artists across Aotearoa and beyond, who released music in 2025. NZ citizens/residents can be nominated for all the entered award categories other than the Best International Pacific Artist Award, which is specific to artists from overseas.

Singles, EPs or albums released between 1 January – 31 December 2025, are eligible for entry. Nominations must be submitted online through the official entry system, ahead of the Friday 17 April 2026 deadline. 

The entered categories for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards are: Best Pacific Female Artist, Best Pacific Male Artist, Best Pacific Group, Best Pacific Gospel Artist. Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist, Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist, Best Pacific Roots/ Reggae Artist, Best Pacific Language, Best Pacific Song, Best Pacific Music Video, Best Producer, Best International Pacific Artist and Best Pacific Music Album (Aotearoa Music Award).

For more details, including the 2026 PMA Terms & Conditions of Entry, go to the Entries page on the PMA website.