Gore’s Country Music Honours welcome entries for the 2026 MLT Songwriting Award
Each year, hundreds of songwriters put their hat in the ring for the MLT Songwriting Award, a competition that celebrates the craft of songwriting at Gore’s Country Music Honours. Past winners and finalists include Mel Parsons, Kerryn Fields, Tami Neilson and Barry Saunders, alongside the 2025 winners Nicola Mitchell (pictured), Theia and Byllie-Jean.
Entries for the 2026 MLT Songwriting Award are now open and close on 27 March 2026.
Songwriters may enter any unreleased original track, recorded as a solo vocal performance (with exceptions made for duets), accompanied by a maximum of one instrument. Long-time award partner Mataura Licensing Trust (MLT) continues its support of emerging and established songwriters, sponsoring cash prizes of $2,500 for the Winner and $500 for the Runner-Up to help support their songwriting journey.
Finalists will perform their songs live at the Country Music Honours on Friday 22 May 2026, officially kicking off the Tussock Country Music Festival, a 10-day country music festival featuring more than 80 events for all ages. Delivered by the NZ Songwriters Trust, the Country Music Honours also include the presentation of the APRA Best Country Song and the Country Music Honour for Contribution to Country Music in Aotearoa.
Aotearoa country legends The Warratahs, 2025 Hall of Fame inductees, will appear as guest artists, delivering a set of their signature roots-driven sound.
The Country Music Honours team also welcome applications for their one-day Songwriters’ Retreat, to be held at Hokonui Rūnanga on Saturday 23 May 2026. Applications are free to submit, with successful applicants invited to write alongside fellow members of the country music community in a fun, low-pressure environment curated by experienced songwriter Kim Bonnington (of NZ bluegrass band You, Me, Everybody).
To enter, buy tickets to the Country Music Honours or apply for the Songwriter’s Retreat, head to: https://countrymusichonours.co.nz/
