AMA's: A night of big wins highlighting the diversity of Aotearoa music

The 2026 AMA's took place last night at The Civic Theatre in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. Attendees were treated to a night of celebration, standout live performances and recognition for artists shaping the sound of Aotearoa music.

Coming out on top was Marlon Williams, dominating the night with wins for Album of the Year, Single of the Year and Best Solo Artist for his acclaimed release Te Whare Tīwekaweka. Familiar favourites shared the spotlight with a wave of newer names, giving this year’s ceremony a real sense of momentum across the local scene.

Lorde added another major accolade to her career with Best Pop Artist alongside the International Achievement Tūī, while The Beths continued their run of success with Best Group. Rising East Coast artist Te Wehi had a breakthrough moment, taking home Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Best Roots Artist after a huge year on the charts.

Elsewhere, Stan Walker secured another Mana Reo award for ‘Mō Āke Tonu’, TAWAZ claimed Best Māori Artist, and Borderline won the People’s Choice Tūī following the success of their debut EP Chrysalis. Balu Brigada picked up the Te Manu Mātārae award, Tami Neilson continued her acclaimed run with Best Country Music Artist for Neon Cowgirl, and Ny Oh was recognised as Best Folk Artist for Wildwood. Industry recognition also went to legendary acts and long-standing contributors, with Fat Freddy’s Drop honoured as the Aotearoa Charts Icon and Che Fu inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.

Highlights From The Night

• Marlon Williams won Album of the Year for Te Whare Tīwekaweka
• Marlon Williams won Single of the Year for ‘Aua Atu Rā’
• Lorde received the International Achievement Tūī
• The Beths won Best Group
• Te Wehi won Breakthrough Artist of the Year
• Borderline won the People’s Choice Tūī
• Fat Freddy’s Drop received the Aotearoa Charts Icon award
• Che Fu was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame

Aotearoa Music Awards 2026 Winners

• Album of the Year: Marlon Williams – Te Whare Tīwekaweka
• Single of the Year: Marlon Williams – ‘Aua Atu Rā’
• Best Solo Artist: Marlon Williams
• Best Group: The Beths
• International Achievement: Lorde
• Te Manu Mātārae: Balu Brigada
• Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Te Wehi
• Best Māori Artist: TAWAZ
• Best Pop Artist: Lorde
• Best Hip Hop Artist: MOKOMOKAI
• Best Rock / Metal Artist: Alien Weaponry
• Best Country Music Artist: Tami Neilson
• Best Folk Artist: Ny Oh
• Best Electronic Artist: Caru, Brandn Shiraz
• Best Soul/RnB Artist: Tom Scott
• People’s Choice: Borderline
• Highest Selling Artist: Six60
• Aotearoa Charts Icon: Fat Freddy’s Drop
• New Zealand Music Hall of Fame: Che Fu

The awards reflected the huge range of artists in Aotearoa. With te reo Māori releases reaching mainstream audiences and independent artists breaking through on their own terms, the night showcased a scene full of ambition, identity and creative depth.