Entries are now open for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards, with the Pacific Music Awards Trust confirming that this year’s ceremony will be held on Wednesday 12 August at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, Auckland.
The annual awards ceremony celebrates today’s artists, honours the legacy of Pacific music, and looks to its future. It is a collective celebration dedicated to the vibrant Pacific music community.
Nominations are open to Pacific artists across Aotearoa and around the world who released music in 2025. Pacific artists based in New Zealand (citizens or residents) are eligible to enter all award categories except the Best International Pacific Artist Award, which is open to Pacific artists living overseas.
Singles, EPs, or albums released between 1 January and 31 December 2025 are eligible for entry. All nominations must be submitted online through the official entry system, with entries closing at 5pm on Friday 17 April 2026.
The entered categories for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards are: Best Pacific Female Artist, Best Pacific Male Artist, Best Pacific Group, Best Pacific Gospel Artist, Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist, Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist, Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist, Best Pacific Language, Best Pacific Song, Best Pacific Music Video, Best Producer, Best International Pacific Artist and Best Pacific Music Album (Aotearoa Music Award).
Alongside the awards, the Trust will continue delivering the Tautua Programme, providing advocacy and support for the Pacific music community, while sharing new music and content from the Hiva Folau Vaka project, which contributes to Pacific language revitalisation through music.
For full details, including the 2026 Pacific Music Awards Terms and Conditions of Entry, visit the Entries page.
