Live: Watch the 2025 Waiata Māori Music Awards
Makayla, Shane Walker, the Tuari Brothers and Corella are among finalists for the awards, held at Toi Toi Hawke's Bay Arts and Events Centre in Hastings.
A mix of established musicians and new talent are up for trophies at the 2025 Waiata Māori Music Awards held in Hastings tonight.
Finalists in the Tohu Manu Tioriori Wahine Autaia (Best Māori Female Solo Artist) award include Makayla, Paige and Huia, while Haami, Kings and Shane Walker - who won big at the Pacific Music Awards earlier this year - are nominated for the Te Tohu Manu Tioriori Tāne Autaia (Best Māori Male Solo Artist) award.
The awards, held at the Toi Toi Hawke's Bay Arts and Events Centre in Hastings, will be streamed live on RNZ.
Two iconic figures in Māori music, Wyn Anania and Toni Huata, will be recognised at the awards. The late producer Wyn Anania will be honoured with the Iconic Contribution to Music Industry Award, while singer and composer Toni Huata, who died earlier this year, will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The theme for this year's awards, which are now in their 18th year, is Toitū te Reo – Titiro Whakaroto.
Event director Ellison Huata says the theme highlights the critical importance of preserving language and stories through the power of music.
