2026 Aotearoa Children's Music Awards | Ngā Manu Tīrairaka finalists announced
The most playful and imaginative Awards of the year!
The 2026 Aotearoa Children’s Music Awards | Ngā Manu Tīrairaka finalists have been announced! The most playful and imaginative Awards of the year, finalists will be celebrated at the annual event on Sunday 28 June at The Tuning Fork, Tāmaki Makaurau.
Recorded Music NZ is especially pleased to celebrate the finalists for Te Manu Taki Kerekahu o te Tau | Best Children's Music Artist Tūī. This year sees Jeremy Redmore nominated for 'Singalongercise', 2025 Tūī winners Loopy Tunes Preschool Music for 'Mā: Matariki For Tamariki' and Spellodies for 'If You Can Yell It, Then You Can Spell It'.
The CMAs will also see the following categories and artists awarded and recognised:
APRA Best Children’s Song – Preschool | He Manu Pīpī
- Dinosaur Picnic written by Ben Gailer, Nick Gailer, Suzie Gailer and Lois Gailer, performed by Brain Beats
- Kaitiakitanga written by Maude Morris and Ava Walker, performed by Toi Time
- Tikanga Māori written by Maude Morris, Ava Walker and Tiare Tito, performed by Toi Time
APRA Best Children’s Song – Primary | He Pī Ka Rere
- Feed The Stars (Hautapu Song) written by Siu Williams-Lemi and Thomas O’Connor, performed by Loopy Tunes Preschool Music
- Night Light written by Steph Brown and Fen Ikner, performed by Spellodies
Papatoetoe Song written by Manpreet Singh a.k.a. Mannu Singh Dildoria
NZ On Air Best Children’s Music Video | He Manu Tūtei
- Night Light written by Steph Brown and Fen Ikner, performed by Spellodies, video directed by Fen Ikner
- Ready to Make a Potion written by Rob Wigley and Suzy Cato, performed by Mr Roberelli & Suzy Cato, video directed by Barry Prescott
- Te Waka O Rangi (Pōhutukawa) written by Siu Williams-Lemi and Thomas O’Connor, performed by Loopy Tunes Preschool Music, video directed by Vincent Egan, Māui Studios
Kōkako Best Children's Performer, presented by Kiwi Kids Music & Auckland Philharmonia
- Aiden Gao performing ‘Blossom’ – aged 9 years
- Grace Beaumont performing 'Just a Child and a Dream’’ – aged 15 years
- Sophia Mkoian performing ‘Be the Light’ – aged 9 years
- Sacha Tomlin performing ‘Summer Girl’ – aged 12 years
Fans will be able to purchase tickets to the very special combined Children's Music Awards and Sounds Fun event on Sunday 28 June from 12.30pm at The Tuning Fork (ticketing info coming soon!) The ceremony will feature performances from CMAs whānau Judi Cranston, Anika Moa, Levity Beet and Kath Bee, as well as kids music newcomer – children’s author and comedian Sam Smith. It will be hosted by Suzy Cato with assistance from tamariki from across Aotearoa, and followed by fun and games!
Aotearoa Children’s Music Awards | Ngā Manu Tīrairaka is produced by beloved children's performer and presenter Suzy Cato with the proud support of Recorded Music NZ, APRA AMCOS, NZ On Air and Kiwi Kids Music