Judging Criteria

Please find our Judging Criteria below, as outlined in Section 9 of the AMA 2025 Terms & Conditions

The Aotearoa Music Awards recognises artists and recordings that have demonstrated excellence, audience reach, commercial success and cultural impact.

General Judging Criteria

When voting, all judges of the Aotearoa Music Awards agree:

  • To consider all aspects of the eligible recorded music product and to vote for artists and recordings that have demonstrated excellence, audience reach, commercial success and cultural impact
  • To set aside any personal loyalty to Nominees (Aotearoa is a small place so we accept that conflicts exist but we must prioritise objectivity when voting)
  • To consider the overall balance of the music industry which the Aotearoa Music Awards exists to celebrate, bearing in mind the importance of diversity and representation
  • To keep your votes strictly confidential

Genre, Māori and Artisan Award Judging Criteria

When voting in any of the Genre, Māori and Artisan categories judges shall consider the General Judging Criteria EXCEPT THAT

  • Point 1 of the General Judging Criteria does not apply to the categories below which have specific criteria as set out; and
  • For the remaining categories when applying Point 1 of the General Judging Criteria, Judges may give appropriate weighting to different aspects of the eligible recorded music product to reflect the specialist nature of the award, genre or audience concerned

In respect of the categories set out below, judges agree to follow the below specific criteria:

  • Te Manu Taki Māori o te Tau | Best Māori Artist: The main judging criterion is that the music reflects a unique Māori identity and/or is an expression of Māori culture, which may not necessarily have any Māori language content. Artistic merit and commercial success should also be taken into account. Points 2-4 of the General Judging Criteria apply but point 1 does not
  • Mana Reo: The main judging criterion is that the music aims to grow the interest and appeal of the Māori language and culture in and through mainstream recorded music. Artistic merit, the artist’s regularity of reo Māori releases and/or commitment to, and commercial success should also be taken into account. Points 2-4 of the General Judging Criteria apply but point 1 does not
  • Te Taumata o te Kaiwhakaputa | Best Producer (Artisan Award): Technical excellence is the only criterion. As part of determining technical excellence, Judges are also encouraged to consider the process involved in creating the finished recorded music product. Points 2-4 of the General Judging Criteria apply but point 1 does not
  • Te Taumata o te Pūkenga Oro | Best Engineer (Artisan Award): Technical excellence is the only criterion. As part of determining technical excellence, Judges are also encouraged to consider the process involved in creating the finished recorded music product. Points 2-4 of the General Judging Criteria apply but point 1 does not
  • Te Taumata o te Toi | Best Album Artwork (Artisan Award): Criteria for judging includes originality of design concept, and marketing impact. Points 2-4 of the General Judging Criteria apply but point 1 does not
  • Te Taumata o te Ataata | Best Video Content (Artisan Award): Concept, direction and performance of the video content are the major criteria, not necessarily the excellence of the music. Points 2-4 of the General Judging Criteria apply but point 1 does not

Judges are not required to have regard to conduct expectations when considering Nominees for an Award. However, if judges are or become aware of any information, concerns or issues relating to Nominee conduct, they are asked to immediately pass on that information, concern or issue to Recorded Music NZ for further consideration.

Judges are not expected to make decisions regarding eligibility when considering Nominees for an Award, as only eligible recorded music product and Nominees will pass through to the judging stage. However, if judges are or become aware of any information, concerns, or issues relating to eligibility they are asked to immediately pass on that information, issue or concern to Recorded Music NZ for further consideration.

View the AMA 2025 Terms & Conditions in full here