Some nights remind you why you work in music.
The 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards was one of those nights.
From the moment the lights went down, there was a real sense that this was a celebration of something bigger than chart positions, streams or awards. It was a celebration of creativity, culture, community and the artists who continue to shape the sound of Aotearoa.
First and foremost, congratulations to every finalist, performer and winner recognised on the night. The talent coming out of Aotearoa right now is extraordinary, and this year’s awards reflected that across every category.
For everyone at Precise, it was also a night filled with pride.
Seeing artists we’ve had the privilege of working alongside recognised on one of the biggest stages in New Zealand music is always special. Not because of the awards themselves, but because of everything those moments represent – years of hard work, sacrifice, perseverance and a commitment to creating music that genuinely connects with people.
Among the highlights for our wider Precise whānau were:
Te Manu Taki Māori o te Tau | Best Māori Artist – TAWAZ
Te Manu Taki Taketake o te Tau | Best Roots Artist – Te Wehi
Te Iti Rearea o te Tau | Breakthrough Artist of the Year – Te Wehi
Te Manu Taki Whanokē o te Tau | Best Alternative Artist – MĀ for Blame It On The Weather
Te Manu Taki Tuauki o te Tau | Best Classical Artist – Michael Norris for Rerenga
Te Manu Taki Tautito o te Tau | Best Jazz Artist – Louisa Williamson for Groundwork
We’re incredibly proud of every one of these artists and projects. Their success is richly deserved and reflects what can happen when great artists are supported by strong teams, trusted partnerships and a shared belief in the journey.
Few stories captured the spirit of the evening more than the rise of Te Wehi.
To see him recognised as both Best Roots Artist and Breakthrough Artist of the Year felt like a fitting acknowledgement of an artist who has connected with audiences right across the country. Watching his growth over the past year has been remarkable, and seeing that journey recognised on the AMA stage was a special moment for everyone involved.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the evening was seeing just how naturally te reo Māori now sits at the centre of New Zealand music.
Not as a trend or a moment, but as a living, growing and increasingly influential part of our creative identity.
The success of artists such as TAWAZ, Te Wehi, Stan Walker, Marlon Williams and Alien Weaponry reflects a music landscape that is richer, more diverse and more representative of who we are as a nation. Audiences are embracing music that speaks to culture, identity, language and whakapapa, and the impact that is having on Aotearoa music continues to grow.
Beyond the success of our own artists and partners, it was fantastic to see so many outstanding New Zealand artists recognised throughout the evening. Congratulations to Marlon Williams, Lorde, The Beths, Tom Scott, Tami Neilson and all those whose work was celebrated on the night.
There were also moments that reminded us how closely connected our music community is.
The tribute to the late Dame Jools Topp was one of them. Her contribution to New Zealand music, storytelling and public life is impossible to measure, and it was clear from the emotion in the room just how deeply she was loved and respected.
Another standout moment came with the induction of Che Fu into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame. Few artists have shaped the sound and identity of contemporary New Zealand music as profoundly as Che Fu, and seeing him recognised for that contribution felt both overdue and entirely deserved.
Awards nights come and go, but what stays with you are the stories behind them – the artists finding their voice, the communities backing them, and the songs that connect us.
To every artist, manager, collaborator and partner recognised on the night, congratulations.
We’re incredibly proud to walk alongside you.
Ngā mihi to Recorded Music NZ, the Aotearoa Music Awards team, NZ On Air, Te Māngai Pāho, and everyone who continues to invest in, support and champion music from Aotearoa.
Here’s to another year of great music, great stories and great artists from Aotearoa.
Kia kaha te puoro o Aotearoa.