NZ music awards unveil new look, new trophy, two-week programming

Last night’s launch of the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards in Auckland unveiled a host of new initiatives and an updated look.

Damian Vaughan, CEO of Recorded Music NZ, which organises the event, said, “This year we want to connect back to the wairua of why the event exists, and that is to celebrate our musicians and their music.

“The awards are our biggest platform to honour New Zealand recording artists and we can’t wait to celebrate the recent achievements in Kiwi music.”

A major change was the new, bespoke award created as a piece of art by iconic visual artist Dick Frizzell.

The inaugural Tui Music Series was also announced, with a two-week programme of events leading up to the main ceremony.

These encompass the NZ Music Producers’ series, Music Designers’ series and Music Filmmakers’ series being held in Auckland and Wellington from October 29—November 11.

The Music Producers’ series will include renowned visiting producers are Sylvia Massy (Tool, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, System Of A Down) and Gil Norton (Foo Fighters, Pixies, Throwing Muses, Belly, Jimmy Eat World) for seminars.

The series includes the Artisan awards, this year presented by the Massey University College of Creative Arts Toi Rauwharangi in Wellington on November 5.

Recorded Music NZ explained, “This standalone event specifically acknowledges those who capture, craft and enrich the artists’ musical works into final recordings, as well as the talented visual artists translating the musicians’ visions into album artwork and music videos.”

Co-hosts of the main event are R&B singer Stan Walker and media identity Kanoa Lloyd.

The Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards will be broadcast live on THREE on the evening of November 15.

Finalists for the VNZMA’s will be announced September 27.