Recognising ten outstanding albums of artistic merit, chosen by a voting body of 1000 Independent Music New Zealand members and music industry peers.
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Independent Music NZ (IMNZ), in partnership with Founding Partner Recorded Music NZ, is proud to announce the ten finalists for the 2026 Taite Music Prize — Aotearoa’s premier celebration of independent album-making.
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 New Zealand’s cultural landscape.
This year marks a historic new chapter: the ceremony will be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), and for the first time in its history, the event will be open to the public. Expanding into a new venue and welcoming a wider audience reflects the Prize’s commitment to sharing the celebration of independent music more extensively, while preserving the prestige and rigour that define the award.
Spanning a wide range of genres and styles, this year’s awards celebrate purely artistic merit, showcasing how independent artists consistently punch above their weight. Historically, the Taite Music Prize has offered a lens into Aotearoa’s creative and cultural landscape, and the 2026 finalists reflect the creativity, ambition, and diversity of New Zealand’s music scene – offering a snapshot of the nation’s culture, ideas, and even its political climate as expressed through music.
The 2026 Taite Music Prize Finalists
(in alphabetical order)
Dick Move
Dream, Believe, Achieve — 1:12 Records & Flying Nun Records
Tāmaki Makaurau punk band’s second album delivers high-voltage garage punk with sharp social commentary. Endorsed by Iggy Pop on BBC Radio, and set to open for the Foo Fighters again in 2027.
Geneva AM
PIKIPIKI — Independent
Tāmaki Makaurau beatmaker and vocalist’s debut album showcases a bilingual approach blending R&B and electronic influences. Winner of Te Tohu Puoro o te reo Māori at the 2023 Student Radio Network Awards.
Jazmine Mary
I Want to Rock and Roll — Flying Nun Records
Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist’s third album spans noir folk and alternative, with a visual and sonic world shaped by their performance art. Former Best Independent Debut winner, with national and international tours.
MĀ
Blame It On The Weather — Independent
Te Whanganui-a-Tara rapper and singer-songwriter’s second album explores personal and political themes across hip-hop, neo-soul, and jazz-infused tracks. Featured on the cover of SUNDAY magazine and performing at WOMADelaide 2026.
Marlon Williams
Te Whare Tīwekaweka — Marlon Williams Music
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 — Carpark Records
Tāmaki Makaurau dream-pop project’s debut album blends lush synth textures with introspective songwriting, earning critical acclaim for its immersive soundscapes. Following a showcase at BIGSOUND 2025, the band toured the United States supporting The Beths.
Reb Fountain
How Love Bends — Fountain Records Limited
Tāmaki Makaurau songwriter’s sixth album refines noir-tinged indie rock into intimate, emotionally resonant tracks, with seven songs landing on the Hot 20 Aotearoa Singles Chart.
Ringlets
The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time for Walkies) — Flying Nun Records
Tāmaki Makaurau post-punk outfit’s second album combines angular instrumentation with darkly humorous lyrics. Gained international attention at The UK’s Great Escape Festival and will open for the Foo Fighters in 2027.
Tom Scott
ANITYA — Years Gone By
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 — Flying Nun Records
Te Whanganui-a-Tara sibling trio’s third album delivers expansive, atmospheric indie rock marked by emotional depth. Featured on NPR and spent three weeks on the Official Top 20 Aotearoa Albums.
Selected from albums released in the 2025 calendar year, these ten records represent the breadth, ambition, and creative excellence currently shaping Aotearoa’s independent music scene. The winning album will receive a $12,500 cash prize, courtesy of Recorded Music NZ.
“Each year we’re struck by the extraordinary depth and quality of album-making in Aotearoa. To recognise these ten outstanding works — and to now share that celebration with the wider community — is incredibly special,” says Dylan Pellett, General Manager, Independent Music NZ.
A voting academy comprising 1000 IMNZ members, musicians, and industry professionals determined this year’s shortlist. From there, an independent panel of artists, journalists, and industry experts will deliberate and select the ultimate winners – ensuring the final decision reflects both expertise and a diversity of perspective.
The Taite Music Prize ceremony will also present a suite of significant awards, including:
In the lead-up to the ceremony, finalists for the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award and the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award will be announced, as will the winners of the IMNZ Classic Record, recognising achievement across New Zealand’s independent music scene. The Independent Spirit Award recipient is revealed on the night.
Named in honour of the late Dylan Taite — one of New Zealand’s most respected music journalists, renowned for championing independent music with insight and integrity — the Taite Music Prize remains a testament to the enduring power of artistic vision and the cultural significance of album-making in Aotearoa.
Journalists, industry professionals, and music audiences are encouraged to follow IMNZ for further updates and event details.