Announcing The Lutha Award for Commitment to Original Live Music in Ōtepoti Dunedin

Radio One 91FM and the Dunedin Musicians Club are proud to announce the establishment of The Lutha Award for Commitment to Original Live Music in Ōtepoti, Dunedin, created in honour of Gordon Spittle, songwriter, musician, and the unofficial sixth member of the legendary Dunedin band Lutha.

This new annual award celebrates and supports a local emerging band or artist who demonstrates exceptional dedication to original songwriting and live performance, continuing Ōtepoti’s proud tradition of independent, grassroots music.

The inaugural recipient will receive:

– A 12-month Dunedin Musicians Club membership, including access to rehearsal space, mentoring, and connection with the local music community.

– A Radio One-supported headline gig at the Dunedin Musicians Club in Semester One 2026, with full promotional support, live recording opportunities, and on-air coverage.

– A cash prize for each band member, provided as MusicWorks vouchers.

– An interview and on-air feature on Radio One 91FM.

The first Lutha Award will be presented by a member of Lutha at the Aotearoa Alternative Awards (AAAs) Ōtepoti regional watch party, hosted by Radio One and the Student Radio Network on Saturday 8 November 2025, 7–9pm at the Main Common Room, University of Otago.

Importantly, the Lutha Award is just the beginning of a growing initiative. Radio One and Elizabeth Walker are currently in discussions with the University of Otago’s Music Department to establish a larger annual event and award programme, aimed at providing long-term, tangible support for live, original music in Dunedin. “This evolving project seeks to strengthen pathways for emerging artists and ensure Ōtepoti’s creative legacy continues to thrive.” Notes Walker.

The award is coordinated by Elizabeth Leach-Young, OUSA Student Media Manager and daughter of long-time Dunedin musician and Musicians Club member Steve Young, in collaboration with Elizabeth Walker, representing the estate of Gordon Spittle. Together, they carry forward a shared commitment to nurturing Dunedin’s live music scene and honouring the creative spirit Gordon embodied as a composer, writer, and performing musician.

By recognising originality, performance, and community spirit, The Lutha Award honours Gordon Spittle’s enduring contribution to Aotearoa’s music landscape, supporting the next generation of artists shaping Ōtepoti’s sound.