Named after the late Dylan Taite, one of the country’s most highly respected music journalists, The Taite Music Prize‘s purpose is to recognise outstanding creativity for an entire collection of music contained on one album. The winner receives a cash prize of $12,500, to be spent as they wish – with thanks to Founding Partner of the Taite Music Prize, Recorded Music NZ.

Also recognised at the ceremony are the Independent Spirit Award; the Independent Music NZ Classic Record – acknowledging a defining NZ record from our yesteryear and the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut award – celebrating the freshest talent of Aotearoa. The winner receives a $2,000 cash prize, plus a performance or technical upskilling opportunity thanks to Auckland Live.

Announced in 2022 is the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award - the first of its kind for Aotearoa New Zealand and comes with a $2500 cash prize, thanks to Official Partner, NZ On Air. Created in the spirit of legendary broadcaster Dylan Taite and to extend IMNZ’s mandate to celebrate those who give media space to New Zealand music, the ground-breaking addition celebrates a special individual who made a creative contribution and significant impact with coverage of Aotearoa music during the year. For the award’s inaugural year, finalists were shortlisted by the IMNZ board and the recipient announced at the Taite Music Prize ceremony.

Wikipedia entry, Taite Music Prize: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taite_Music_Prize