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MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards (Auditions)

Date: 30/05/2026

Venue: Small Theatre

Southland

All Ages

Paid

Saturday

Week 5

Get Tickets

Join in and celebrate raw country music talent at New Zealand’s greatest country music event, the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards.

For more than half a century, hundreds of country musicians of all ages have travelled to Gore to compete for the coveted Gold Guitar Award.

Three days of auditions and spectacular finals night events showcase the best in junior/intermediate and senior categories. There’s a country music showcase concert that’s part of the Classic Final (previously 40+ and 60+ finals), where a stand-out country music contributor is inducted into the Country Music Hands of Fame.

The Gold Guitar winner receives a comprehensive prize package to set them on the road to country music stardom.

This prestigious event - the longest running and largest country music club competition in New Zealand - is why Gore is known as the NZ capital of country music.

Auditions are held consecutively at four Gore locations: Gore RSA, Calvin Church, Gore Town & Country Club and the Gore Baptist Church. For times and categories please visit www.goldguitars.co.nz.

MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards (Auditions)