Rising Stars Named as Finalists for Aotearoa Music Awards Breakthrough Prize

MĀ, Borderline, Shane Walker, and Te Wehi are named finalists for the Breakthrough Tūī at the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards, celebrating rising Kiwi music talent.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 4:48 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

A Competitive Field of Multi-Nominated Talent

The breakthrough category serves as a testament to the depth of emerging talent in New Zealand, with several finalists also competing for major genre awards. Borderline has secured a spot in the Best Pop Artist category, standing alongside industry heavyweights like Lorde and Benee. Meanwhile, the bilingual artist MĀ is enjoying a particularly strong showing this year, earning nominations for Album of the Year, Best Māori Artist, and Best Alternative Artist. These multiple nods suggest that these rising acts are already making significant inroads into the established music hierarchy.

Success Beyond the Breakthrough Category

Finalist Shane Walker enters the AMAs with considerable momentum following a successful run at the 2025 Pacific Music Awards. Walker previously claimed the titles for Best Pacific Male Artist and Best Pacific Song for his hit track 'Believe,' positioning him as a formidable contender for the national Tūī. Similarly, Te Wehi represents a unique career transition, moving from the world of competitive fencing to a successful reggae career. This transition highlights the varied backgrounds of New Zealand’s modern musical icons and the broad appeal of local reggae influences.

Performance Highlights and Ceremony Details

The 2026 awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 28 at The Civic in Auckland. The event will feature live performances from the nominees, including a scheduled set by MĀ. In a notable cross-generational collaboration, last year’s breakthrough winner, Hori Shaw, will return to the stage to perform a duet titled "Ready To Ride" with current finalist Te Wehi. This tradition of showcasing both past and present breakthrough talent underscores the awards' focus on the ongoing evolution of the New Zealand music scene.