NZ Music Month | Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa is all about the music of Aotearoa and the people who make it – building connection, discovery, and pride in our local sound. It’s a time to spotlight homegrown talent, amplify community voices, and bring more of our music to the front – to support local, stream local, see local and buy local.
NZ Music Month celebrates the sound of Aotearoa and the people who make it. Since 2001, it’s been a month-long spotlight on local music — live, loud, and everywhere. Discover new favourites, support the scene, and join us in marking 25 years of turning it up this May.
It’s all powered by the NZ Music Commission, in association with:
And it wouldn’t happen without support from labels, media, venues, organisers, radio, fans, and — most importantly — the artists.
We remember when it all started. Back in 2001, there was incredible music being made — but not enough people across the country got to hear it, see it live, or find it in stores.
Now? It’s bloody marvellous how far things have come. In 2025, we’re proudly marking 25 years of celebrating NZ music — and this year’s shaping up to be one of our biggest yet.
We want to help you:
With loads of new releases on the way, hundreds of live shows nationwide, and people all across the motu getting behind it—you won’t be able to miss NZ Music Month.
We’ll be sharing our picks, featuring the latest news, and highlighting everything going on across Aotearoa. So keep an eye on the site and dig into the gig guide to find your perfect live music event.