New band introduced to New Zealand Music Hall of Fame

Alt-country band The Warratahs will be inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame later this month.

Sharing stages with greats like Billy Joel, The Highwaymen (featuring Johnny Cash) and Bob Dylan, they built a loyal fanbase that has followed them since the emerged in 1986 at a humble pub in Wellington.

Fronted by Barry Saunders, the five-piece band recently released their eighth album, Burning Daylight.

With tunes like 'Taranaki' and 'Easy Come Easy Go (Cruisin' on the Interislander)' touching on local spots, The Warratahs appealed to Kiwi listeners, racked up more than 100,000 album sales and won the Best Country Music Artist Tūī across four years.

Artists like Delaney Davidson, Tami Neilson and Marlon Williams have also paid tribute to the band for the role the band played in their careers and the music community.

Davidson and Saunders collaborated for Happiness is Near and Word Gets Around, which earned them a Tūī for Best Country Artist.

APRA AMCOS Aotearoa head Anthony Healey says they are thrilled to honour the band.

"The Warratahs have always been about connection - between people, places, and stories. Their music is deeply rooted in Aotearoa, and their legacy is one of authenticity, generosity, and heart."

To be eligible for induction, artists must have released a record or achieved some other "significant professional milestone" at least 25 years prior and have demonstrated "unquestionable musical excellence".

Last year that honour went to jazz legend Mike Nock who has built a seven-decade career as a performer, composer and educator.

The Warratahs will be celebrated at the 2025 APRA Silver Scroll Awards on 29 October at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch.