New Zealand Music Month 2025 | Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa
Every May, New Zealanders across the globe unite to celebrate the vibrant, diverse music that defines Aotearoa New Zealand. From Māori songs (waiata) and indie rock to hip hop and pop, New Zealand Music Month showcases local music and the artists behind it, both at home and on the world stage.
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A Quarter-Century of Local Sounds
First launched in 2001, New Zealand Music Month marks its 25th anniversary in 2025. What began as a campaign to encourage radio stations to play more local music has grown into a nationwide cultural celebration.
The 2025 theme, OUTPLAY, encourages fans to stream New Zealand music with the goal of surpassing other cities internationally where New Zealand artists are most streamed. “It’s a great way to showcase the global success of our musicians, and for fans to get involved,” says Cath Andersen, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Music Commission.
New Zealand-Wide and Global Events
Each May, about 1,000 music events take place across New Zealand, with nearly 150 overseas shows scheduled in 24 countries. “Wherever you are,” says Andersen, “there’s a good chance you can catch a live New Zealand act.”
The month launches with the Hawke’s Bay Music Gala, featuring rising star Liberty, and continues with a range of events across the country. Highlights include the YAMI Sounz Summit in Otago with well-known artists like Gin Wigmore and Tom Scott, the Smokefree Rockquest competition for emerging high-school musicians, and a special discussion of the storytelling tradition of waiata at Featherston’s Booktown Festival. The month concludes with the prestigious Aotearoa Music Awards and New Zealand Music T-Shirt Day, a nationwide celebration of local music.
These are just some of the local events taking place, with more updates on the New Zealand Music Month website.
Showcasing Kiwi Talent Worldwide
The Outward Sound programme continues to drive New Zealand’s music industry onto the international stage. Since 2006, it has helped a range of artists such as The Beths, Six60, Marlon Williams, Aldous Harding, Katchafire, Fazerdaze and more to build global careers.
Alan Holt is the New Zealand Music Commission’s International Manager. “It’s been an amazing and rewarding experience watching our artists excel on the international stage, and we’ve had a record number for 2025,” he says.
In 2025, six New Zealand artists will perform at the UK’s renowned The Great Escape music festival in Brighton: Borderline, CHAII, Drax Project, Muroki, No Cigar and newcomer Static Ella. They will join over 170 new acts from around the world at this premier showcase for up-and-coming music.
Later in May, in London, Outward Sound will also support Sweet Sounds from the South Pacific. There will be several New Zealanders amongst the acts, with performances from singer-songwriters, DJs, rappers and more, forming a dynamic line-up for the day at Kiwi-run London pub Pacific Tavern.
Get Involved and Celebrate
New Zealand Music Month 2025 is your ticket to the vibrant and diverse music scene of New Zealand. Whether you're a passionate music fan or just curious to explore new sounds, there’s a performance, playlist or conversation for you, wherever you are around the world.
Let’s stream, support and celebrate the sounds of Aotearoa New Zealand this May.
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