Nominations open today (20 June) for the biggest night in Kiwi music – the 2016 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards.

Come November, Vector Arena will fill with musicians, music industry movers and shakers, celebrities and fans to celebrate the vast musical talent of Aotearoa.

Recorded Music NZ CEO Damian Vaughan says it’s brilliant to be celebrating yet another year of outstanding Kiwi music. “The Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards are about reflecting on those who have contributed to our Kiwi music legacy, celebrating those who are currently adding to it, and shining a light on those who could be the next big thing.

“It’s truly inspiring to see the nominations roll in for the awards’ 51 st year, another celebration of the talent and hard work of our impressive music industry.”

Nomination details can be found at www.nzmusicawards.co.nz. Unless otherwise specified, awards are open to New Zealand artists who have had recordings commercially released between 1 July 2015 and 31 July 2016 (13 months). Nominations stay open until 5pm on Wednesday 3 August.

Categories in 2016 are Album and Single of the Year, Best Group, Best Male and Female Solo Artists, Breakthrough Artist, , Best Maori, Rock, Urban / Hip Hop, Electronic, Roots, Pop, Alternative, Best Worship album and Classical albums. There are also technical award categories of Best Producer, Best Engineer, Best Album Cover, and Best Music Video.

The announcement of the 2016 Legacy Award recipient and New Zealand Music Hall of Fame inductee – presented last year to The Exponents – is made in October when the finalists are announced.

Other Tuis presented during the year include those for best albums in Country, Folk, Children’s, Jazz and Pacific music. The winners of those categories are acknowledged at the 2016 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards ceremony.