Listed below are upcoming NZ/Aotearoa music industry dates.
These dates are subject to change and should only be used as a guideline.
Dates are for 2026, unless otherwise specified.
NZ ON AIR
IRIRANGI TE MOTU
Website
Music Funding
Resources For Funded Artists
Music Promotion Opportunities
PLEASE NOTE:
Completed applications must be received by 4pm on the relevant closing date, with the correct application form.
Funding of up to $11,000 is available for a single song, creation of video content,
and promotion and publicity to increase the awareness of the song.
Applications Open
11 December, 2025
12 March
28 May
30 July
8 October
Applications Close
15 January
26 March
11 June
13 August
22 October
Results Published
12 February
23 April
9 July
10 September
19 November
Funding of up to $55,000 for multi-song projects for artists who have the full support of
an NZ-based experienced music company and a project manager.
Potential applicants must first email a one-paragraph project overview to [email protected] – at least two weeks before the funding deadline.
Applications Open
11 December, 2025
30 April
20 August
Applications Close
29 January
21 May
10 September
Results Published
24 March
15 July
2 November
Funding of up to $11,000 is available for artists of Pacific background, towards the recording of a song,
creation of video content, and promotion and publicity to increase the awareness of the song.
Applications Open
5 February
Applications Close
19 February
Results Published
19 March
Funding of up to $11,000 for artists of Pan-Asian background, towards the recording of a song,
creation of video content, and promotion and publicity to increase the awareness of the song.
Applications Open
9 April
Applications Close
23 April
Results Published
21 May
This is a co-fund between NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho, with funding of up to $15,000
for artists who are interested in recording and releasing a bilingual single with
a minimum of 25% Māori in the song lyrics.
Applications Open
15 October
Applications Close
5 November
Results Published
18 December
Kids Music Social Media – A Quick Start Guide
Funding of up to $11,000 is available for artists with a children’s content focus,
to go towards the recording of a song, creation of video content,
and promotion and publicity to increase the awareness of the song.
Applications Open
23 July
Applications Close
6 August
Results Published
3 September
Funding of between $10,000 and $50,000 (plus GST if registered) is available to assist with touring expenses for those who have received a New Music Project grant.
Applications Open
30 April
Applications Close
21 May
Results Published
16 July
Funding of up to $55,000 for multi-song children’s music projects for artists who have the full support of an NZ-based experienced music company and a project manager.
Applications Open
11 December, 2025
Applications Close
29 January
Results Published
24 March
A monthly compilation of new songs from NZ artists that NZ On Air digitally distributes
to radio stations and other broadcast and online media throughout Aotearoa.
Applications Open
1 January
1 February
1 March
1 April
1 May
1 June
1 July
1 August
1 September
1 October
1 November
1 December
Applications Close
15 January
15 February
15 March
15 April
15 May
15 June
15 July
15 August
15 September
15 October
15 November
15 December
Applications Open
1 April
1 October
Applications Close
15 April
15 October
CREATIVE NZ
ARTS COUNCIL OF NEW ZEALAND TOI AOTEAROA
PLEASE NOTE:
Completed applications must be received by 1pm on the relevant closing date.
CREATIVE FELLOWSHIP FUND
Applications Open
27 January
17 August
Applications Close
5 March
24 September
Notification Dates
20 May
2 December
DEVELOPMENT FUND FOR ARTISTS AND PRACTITIONERS
Applications Open
27 July
Applications Close
27 August
Notification Date
28 October
CREATIVE IMPACT FUND
Applications Open
27 January
17 August
Applications Close
26 February
17 September
Notification Dates
20 May
2 December
EARLY CAREER FUND
General Arts, Toi Tipu Toi Rea and Pacific Arts
Applications Open
27 January
31 August
Applications Close
5 March
1 October
Notification Dates
17 June
9 December
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
The Edwin Carr Foundation Scholarships and The Jack McGill Music Scholarships.
Applications Open
23 February
Applications Close
1 April
Notification Date
4 June
TE MĀNGAI PĀHO
PLEASE NOTE:
Completed applications must be received by 5pm on the relevant closing date.
WAIATA REO MĀORI
Funding for the production and promotion (including aligned video assets) of single waiata containing 50% or more reo Māori, that are original and have not been released before.
Applications Open
2 February
4 February, 2027
Applications Close
20 March
4 March, 2027
Notification Dates
17 April
16 April, 2027
ORO HĀPAI
Funding for recognised music organisations to host songwriting collaboration initiatives.
Applications Open
4 June
Applications Close
8 July
Notification Date
21 August
ORO KURA ROA
Applications Open
4 June
Applications Close
8 July
Notification Date
21 August
INDUSTRY SUPPORT
Supporting established music organisations and initiatives.
Applications Open
April
Applications Close
15 May
Notifications Dates
19 June
WAIATA TUAREA
Funding for the production and promotion (including aligned video assets) of multiple waiata intended for an EP or album.
Applications Open
2 February
15 October
4 February, 2027
Applications Close
20 March
5 November
4 March, 2027
Notification Dates
17 April
18 December
16 April, 2027
APRA AMCOS
ART MUSIC FUND
Applications Open
5 December, 2025
Applications Close
16 February
Winners Announced
May
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Applications Close
16 February
SONGHUBS
Applications Open
23 March
Applications Close
3 April
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARDS
Applications Open
11 March
Applications Close
13 April
Notification Date
July
VANDA & YOUNG GLOBAL SONG COMPETITION
Entries Due
29 September, 2025
Winners Announced
20 January
NEW ZEALAND MUSIC COMMISSION – TE REO REKA O AOTEAROA
INDUSTRY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
More Info
Intern FAQ
Host FAQ
Closing Date
Early Closing Date Internships: 14 November, 2025
All Other Internships: 24 November, 2025
Internships start in January or February 2026
MUSICHELPS
ĀWHINA PUORO
MUSICHELPS GRANTS
Expressions of Interest Due
1 December, 2025
1 June
Applications Close
31 January
31 July
Notification Dates
31 March
31 September
OUTWARD SOUND
PLEASE NOTE:
Applications must be received by 5pm on the closing dates.
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC MARKET DEVELOPMENT/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Applications Close
15 December, 2025
2 March
11 May
27 July
12 October
14 December
Decision Dates
10 February
14 April
14 July
15 September
8 December
9 February, 2027
INTERNATIONAL DELEGATE APPLICATIONS
BIGSOUND – 1-4 SEPTEMBER 2026 – BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
Applications Close
26 June
Decision Date
7 July
TO THE FRONT / GIRLS ROCK
YOUTH MUSIC PROGRAMS
Adult Rock Camp
6 – 8 February @ Pīwaiwaka Farm, Whanganui
Recording Workshop
28 February – 1 March @ The Porch, Hamilton
GOING GLOBAL MUSIC SUMMIT
Website
Artist Showcase Applications Open
2 May
Summit & Showcases
27 – 28 August
GOING LOCAL
Gore
23 May @ Hokonui Rūnanga, Charlton Road, Gore
Christchurch
20 – 21 May @ Space Academy, Christchurch
Dunedin
21 May @ South Link Productions, Dunedin
SMOKEFREE ROCKQUEST
Website
APRA Lyric Award Submission Form
Entries Open
16 February
Region
Auckland Central
Auckland Solo/Duo
Bay of Plenty
Canterbury
Central Otago
East Coast / Tairawhiti
Far North
Hawkes Bay
Manawatū
Manukau
Marlborough
Nelson
North Shore
Northland
Otago
Rotorua
Southland
Taranaki
Timaru
Waikato
Wairarapa
Wellington
Whanganui
Heats
17 May
–
23 May
22 & 23 May
17 May
15 May
–
17 May
–
16 May
–
16 May
15 May
29 May
16 May
22 May
–
–
–
24 May
–
24 May
–
Finals
5 June
21 June
26 June
6 June
13 June
12 June
14 June
13 June
23 May
4 June
26 June
3 July
6 June
13 June
19 June
25 June
12 June
6 June
20 June
27 May
19 June
20 June
16 May
National Finals
Solo / Duo – 17 September
Band – 18 September
SMOKEFREE TANGATA BEATS
Region
Auckland Final
Auckland Solo / Duo
Auckland Central
Bay of Plenty
Canterbury
Central Otago
East Coast / Tairawhiti
Far North
Hawkes Bay
Manawatū
Manukau
Marlborough
Nelson
Northland
North Shore
Otago
Rotorua
Southland
Taranaki
Timaru
Waikato
Wairarapa
Wellington
Whanganui
Event Dates
20 June
21 June
17 May (heat)
23 May
22 & 23 May
17 May
15 May
14 June
17 May
23 May
16 May (heat)
26 June
16 May
29 May
15 May (heat)
16 May
22 May
12 June
6 June
20 June
24 May
19 June
24 May
16 May
National Final
19 September
ROCKSHOP BANDQUEST
Entries Close
1 May
Region
Auckland Central
Bay of Plenty
Canterbury
Gisborne
Greater Auckland
Hawkes Bay
Manukau
Manawatu
Nelson
North Shore
Otago
Taranaki
Waikato
Wellington
Event Dates
24 August
20 & 27 August
17, 18, 19 & 20 August
14 August
17, 19 & 26 August
15 August
25 August
9 September
14 August
18 August
29 & 30 August
1 September
12 & 13 August
22 & 23 August
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Heats
Region
Canterbury
Wellington
Taranaki
Auckland
Waikato
Bay of Plenty
Otago
Southland
Manawatu
Dates
5 & 6 March
11, 13 & 15 March
19, 20 & 21 March
24, 25 & 26 March
28 March & 12 April
9 April
16 & 17 April
18 April
8 May
Semi Finals
Region
Wellington
Taranaki
Auckland
Dates
2 & 4 April
10 & 11 April
22 & 23 April
Finals
Region
Waikato
Taranaki
Auckland
Canterbury
Wellington
New Zealand National Final
Dates
24 April
25 April
26 April
1 May
9 May
29 & 30 May
PLAY IT STRANGE
JUNIOR NATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
Open to all Aotearoa students – Years 9 – 11
Entries Open
2 February
Entries Close
3 May
Winners Notified
22 May
NATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
Open to all Aotearoa students – Years 9 – 13
Entries Open
2 February
Entries Close
26 July
Winners Notified
19 August
THE PEACE PROJECT
Open to all Aotearoa students – Years 9 – 13
Entries Open
2 February
Entries Close
24 May
Winners Notified
12 June
WAIATA MĀORI COMPETITION
Open to all Aotearoa students – Years 9 – 13
Entries Open
2 February
Entries Close
21 June
Winners Notified
8 July
STRANGE ALBUM ART COMPETITION
Open to all Aotearoa students – Years 9 – 13
Entries Open
2 February
Entries Close
3 August
NATIONAL BRASS BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS
8 – 11 April
Entries Close
7 February
Draw Released
25 March
TAITE MUSIC PRIZE
Website
Terms & Judging Criteria
Nominations Open
24 November, 2025
Nominations Close
30 January
Winner Announced
29 April
INDEPENDENT MUSIC NZ CLASSIC RECORD
Winner Announced
29 April
AUCKLAND LIVE BEST INDEPENDENT DEBUT AWARD
Nominations Close
30 January
Winner Announced
29 April
INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD
Winner Announced
29 April
NZ ON AIR OUTSTANDING MUSIC JOURNALISM AWARD
Nominations Close
30 January
Winner Announced
29 April
NZ MUSIC MONTH
TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA
NZ MUSIC MONTH – TE MARAMA PUORO O AOTEAROA
May
NZ MUSIC MONTH QUIZ
19 May
NZ MUSIC T-SHIRT DAY
29 May
NZ MUSIC MONTH SUMMIT
2 May @ Tuning Fork, Auckland
MĀORI MUSIC MONTH
TE MARAMA PUORU WAIATA MĀORI
August
AOTEAROA MUSIC AWARDS
Celebrating 60 Years
Website
Nominations Open
20 November, 2025
Nominations Close
17 December, 2025
Finalists Announced
Mid-April
Winners Announced
28 May @ The Civic, Tāmaki Makaurau
MATAURA LICENSING TRUST (MLT)
NZ GOLD GUITAR AWARDS
Celebrating 50 Years
Website
29 – 31 May
Entries Open
5 February
Auditions
29 – 31 May
Entries Close
10 April
Finals / Winners Announced
31 May
COUNTRY MUSIC HONOURS
22 May
Full show features finalist performances and presentations for:
APRA BEST COUNTRY MUSIC SONG
Entries Open
22 January
Entries Close
27 February
Finalists Announced
Early May
MLT SONGWRITING AWARD
Entries Open
5 February
Entries Close
27 March
SONGWRITERS’ RETREAT
23 May @ Hokonui Rūnanga
INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
Entries Open
19 August, 2025
Entries Close
24 November, 2025
Winners Announced
May
APRA BEST JAZZ COMPOSITION AWARD
Entries Open
July
Entries Close
August
Winners Announced
The winner will be announced at the Wellington Jazz Festival: 14 – 18 October.
CHILDREN’S MUSIC AWARDS – NGĀ MANU TIRAIRAKA
Includes:
APRA Best Children’s Song | Waiata Tamariki Toa – Preschool | He Manu Pipī
APRA Best Children’s Song | Waiata Tamariki Toa – Primary | He Pī Ka Rere
Recorded Music NZ Best Children’s Artist | Te Manu Taki Kerekahu o te Tau
NZ On Air Best Children’s Music Video | He Manu Tūtei
Entries Open
23 February
Entries Close
16 March
Winners Announced
The winners will be announced at the Ngā Manu Tīrairaka – Children’s Music Awards
28 June @ Tuning Fork, Auckland
WAIATA MĀORI MUSIC AWARDS
Awards Ceremony
25 September
APRA SILVER SCROLL AWARDS
KAITITO KAIAKA
Entries Open
14 April
Entries Close
14 May
Winners Announced
October
NZ MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION – TE WHARE TAONGA PUORO O AOTEAROA
Announced
October
SOUNZ CONTEMPORARY AWARD – TE TOHU AUAHA
Entries Close
14 May
Winners Announced
October
APRA MAIOHA AWARD – TOHU MAIOHA
Entries Close
14 May
Winners Announced
October
BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC IN A FEATURE FILM AWARD – TOHU PŪMANAWA
BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC IN A SERIES AWARD – TOHU PAERANGI
Entries Close
14 May
Winners Announced
October
PACIFIC MUSIC AWARDS
Entries Open
11 March
Entries Close
17 April
Winners Announced
12 August @ Due Drop Events Centre, Auckland