Country Music Honours
Step into a night of glitz, glamour, and incredible music at the Country Music Honours, where Aotearoa’s finest country musicians take centre stage.
This prestigious event, held as part of the Tussock Country Music Festival, brings together artists, industry professionals, and fans for an unforgettable evening of celebration and live entertainment. The Country Music Honours shine a spotlight on the best in original country music, championing both emerging songwriters and established artists.
2026 Bayleys Guest Artist - The Warratahs
A huge thank you to our sponsor for the guest artist for 2026 - Julie Mitchell & Bayleys Southland Real Estate.
Our special guest artists The Warratahs took to the stage, bringing their iconic sound to an unforgettable evening!
The heart of the night is centred around two of New Zealand’s most coveted country music awards.
MLT Songwriting Award
Celebrating unreleased, unrecorded songs, the MLT Songwriting Award is a platform for songwriters to share their craft in its purest form.
Each year, aspiring and seasoned songwriters from across New Zealand submit their original compositions, with the top 10 finalists selected to perform their songs live at the Country Music Honours. This award is about more than just recognition - it’s about discovery and opportunity, giving songwriters the chance to have their music heard, celebrated, and potentially recorded by industry professionals.
APRA AMCOS Best Country Song
This prestigious award recognises the best commercially released country song of the year - one that has resonated with audiences, showcased exceptional songwriting, and made a lasting impact on New Zealand’s country music scene.
Previous winners include some of the genre’s most respected names, such as Tami Neilson, Delaney Davidson, and Matt Joe Gow. This award acknowledges not only the song itself but the artistry, storytelling, and musicianship behind it, making it one of the highest honours in New Zealand country music.
The Country Music Honours (formerly named the New Zealand Country Music Awards) are presented by the NZ Songwriter's Trust in association with the Mataura Licensing Trust and APRA Music.
Contribution to Country Music in Aotearoa
Introduced in 2025, the Contribution to Country Music in Aotearoa Honour celebrates members of the country music community who have not only achieved great heights of their own but uplifted others and contributed to the past, present and future of country music in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In 2026, Dame Lynda and Dame Jools were awarded this prestigious Honour. The Topp Twins have dedicated their lives to standing up and singing for what’s right and bringing joy to audiences in every nook and cranny of Aotearoa.
A Red-Carpet Experience Like No Other
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be swept up in the magic of the evening. Sip on complimentary drinks and enjoy delicious nibbles as you mingle in the theatre foyer, where anticipation builds while finalists walk the red carpet. Then, take your seat for an incredible showcase of live performances, heartfelt speeches, and well-deserved accolades, as we honour the artists shaping the future of New Zealand country music. Whether you’re a devoted country music fan, a supporter of homegrown songwriting, or simply looking for an exceptional night out, the Country Music Honours promises to be an unmissable highlight of the festival.
