Category Definitions
ALBUM OF THE YEAR (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Multi-artist compilations and “greatest hits” or “best of” albums by artists are not eligible. An album constitutes recordings (or a recording) with a playing time of over 25 minutes or of six different songs or more where the format does not qualify as a single as defined by the singles eligibility rules. All entries for Album of the Year must have been commercially released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010).
SINGLE OF THE YEAR (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. A single maybe a physical single, a single digital bundle or an individual digital track. A single is a recording containing five different tracks or less and of not more than 25 minutes duration. Any number of versions of any of those tracks (including video) is admissible, but the total running time (including all mixes) cannot exceed 40 minutes. The duration of the longest version of each mix is to be used in determining the 25 minute limit. An individual digital track, only made commercially available as part of a digital album, is eligible for Single of the Year but only if a video of the track was produced and serviced to New Zealand television channels within the eligibility period. In these cases the single release date will be determined by the date the video was first serviced to broadcasters, not the date the track was first made available for commercial sale. In all other cases, entries for Single of the Year must have been commercially released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Promotional copies or digital tracks only ever made available “free to the consumer” are not eligible.
BEST GROUP (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). A group comprises two or more people. If the album packaging refers to an individual and a band, the nominating company must advise whether that act is to be deemed a group or solo act for the New Zealand Music Awards.
BEST MALE SOLO ARTIST (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 may 2010). A male solo artist is one person. If the album packaging refers to an individual and a band, the nominating company must advise whether the act is to be deemed a group or solo act for the New Zealand Music Awards.
BEST FEMALE SOLO ARTIST (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). A female solo artist is one person. If the album packaging refers to an individual and a band, the nominating company must advise whether the act is to be deemed a group or solo act for the New Zealand Music Awards.
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
All recordings are eligible, provided they have been commercially released. A recording featured on a multi-artist compilation is also eligible provided the nominated recording was first released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Solo artists or groups are eligible provided they have had recordings released during the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Artists and groups are not eligible if they have previously been a finalist in any New Zealand Music Award category (including breakthrough artist), or they have had a previous album appear in the Official New Zealand Music chart top 40 album charts.
BEST ROCK ALBUM (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Artists working primarily within the contemporary rock genre are eligible. Greatest hits or “best of” albums by artists are not eligible. Recordings nominated cannot be entered into any other genre category.
BEST POP ALBUM (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Artists working primarily within the contemporary rock genre are eligible. Greatest hits or “best of” albums by artists are not eligible. Recordings nominated cannot be entered into any other genre category.
BEST URBAN / HIP HOP ALBUM (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Artists working primarily within the urban genres of R’n’B and hip hop are eligible. Greatest hits or “best of” albums by artists are not eligible. Recordings nominated cannot be entered in any other genre category.
BEST AOTEAROA ROOTS ALBUM (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Artists working primarily within the genre of dub, reggae, roots and blues are eligible. Greatest hits or “best of” albums by artists are not eligible. Recordings nominated cannot be entered in any other genre category.
BEST MUSIC VIDEO (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Concept, direction and performance of the video are the major criteria, not necessarily the excellence of the music. Only videos produced for eligible New Zealand artists and first serviced to broadcast in New Zealand during the period of eligibility (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010) will be considered. The director of the entered video must meet all eligibility requirements of an entered artist. Entry is limited to one video per artist. This award is presented to the director of the video.
BEST MAORI ALBUM (JUDGED BY A VOTING SCHOOL)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Albums can be in either Te Reo Maori language, bi-lingual or english. The main judging criterion is that the music reflects a unique Maori identity and/or is an expression of an artist’s culture and which may not necessarily have any Maori language content. Artistic merit and commercial success will also be taken into account.
BEST ELECTRONICA ALBUM (JUDGED BY A VOTING SCHOOL)
Solo artists and groups and production teams are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Artists working primarily within the electronica genre are eligible. Re-mixes of non-dance artists are ineligible. Greatest hits or “best of” albums by artists are not eligible. Recordings nominated cannot be entered in any other genre category.
BEST GOSPEL / CHRISTIAN ALBUM (JUDGED BY A VOTING SCHOOL)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). This category encompasses all eligible New Zealand gospel and christian recordings, including vocal and/or instrumental, mainstream, traditional and contemporary recordings. Recordings nominated cannot be entered in any other genre category.
BEST CLASSICAL ALBUM (JUDGED BY A VOTING SCHOOL)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). This category encompasses all eligible New Zealand classical recordings, including vocal and/or instrumental, traditional and contemporary recordings. New Zealand featured artists or soloists involved with ensembles or orchestras containing non-New Zealand artists are eligible, provided the album packaging credits the New Zealander(s) as the featured artist(s). Recordings nominated cannot be entered in any other genre category.
BEST PRODUCER (TECHNICAL AWARD, JUDGED BY A VOTING SCHOOL)
Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Technical excellence is the main criterion but commercial merit will be taken into account. Entrants must be in accord with the eligibility requirements and only recordings performed by New Zealand artists are eligible. Artists’ greatest hits or “best of” albums and multi artist compilations are not eligible for nomination.
BEST ENGINEER (TECHNICAL AWARD, JUDGED BY A VOTING SCHOOL)
Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Technical excellence is the main criterion but commercial merit will be taken into account. Entrants must be in accord with the eligibility requirements and only recordings performed by New Zealand artists are eligible. Artists’ greatest hits or “best of” albums and multi artist compilations are not eligible for nomination.
BEST ALBUM COVER (TECHNICAL AWARD, JUDGED BY A VOTING SCHOOL)
Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Criteria for judging includes: originality of design concept / overall design appreciation & merchandising impact. The award is given to the designer of the cover. Entrants must be in accordance with the eligibility requirements and only covers designed by New Zealand artists /designers are eligible. Artists’ greatest hits or “best of” albums are eligible for nomination. Multi artist compilations are not eligible for nomination.
INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (JUDGED BY THE RIANZ BOARD)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. For this award, a recording does not have to be first released in New Zealand during the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). The award is judged by the RIANZ board and is awarded only at its discretion. Please detail any submission for consideration of an artist in the nomination, highlighting the artist’s significant international achievement. International records sales, chart positions, promotional appearances and live performances are all factors considered by the RIANZ board. The New Zealand Music Awards Committee reserves the right to nominate an artist for this award even if the artist has not been nominated by a New Zealand company.
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Multi-artist compilations and “greatest hits” or “best of” albums by artists are not eligible. An album constitutes recordings (or a recording) with a playing time of over 25 minutes or of six different songs or more where the format does not qualify as a single as defined by the singles eligibility rules. All entries for Album of the Year must have been commercially released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010).
SINGLE OF THE YEAR (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. A single maybe a physical single, a single digital bundle or an individual digital track. A single is a recording containing five different tracks or less and of not more than 25 minutes duration. Any number of versions of any of those tracks (including video) is admissible, but the total running time (including all mixes) cannot exceed 40 minutes. The duration of the longest version of each mix is to be used in determining the 25 minute limit. An individual digital track, only made commercially available as part of a digital album, is eligible for Single of the Year but only if a video of the track was produced and serviced to New Zealand television channels within the eligibility period. In these cases the single release date will be determined by the date the video was first serviced to broadcasters, not the date the track was first made available for commercial sale. In all other cases, entries for Single of the Year must have been commercially released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Promotional copies or digital tracks only ever made available “free to the consumer” are not eligible.
BEST GROUP (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). A group comprises two or more people. If the album packaging refers to an individual and a band, the nominating company must advise whether that act is to be deemed a group or solo act for the New Zealand Music Awards.
BEST MALE SOLO ARTIST (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 may 2010). A male solo artist is one person. If the album packaging refers to an individual and a band, the nominating company must advise whether the act is to be deemed a group or solo act for the New Zealand Music Awards.
BEST FEMALE SOLO ARTIST (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). A female solo artist is one person. If the album packaging refers to an individual and a band, the nominating company must advise whether the act is to be deemed a group or solo act for the New Zealand Music Awards.
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
All recordings are eligible, provided they have been commercially released. A recording featured on a multi-artist compilation is also eligible provided the nominated recording was first released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Solo artists or groups are eligible provided they have had recordings released during the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Artists and groups are not eligible if they have previously been a finalist in any New Zealand Music Award category (including breakthrough artist), or they have had a previous album appear in the Official New Zealand Music chart top 40 album charts.
BEST ROCK ALBUM (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Artists working primarily within the contemporary rock genre are eligible. Greatest hits or “best of” albums by artists are not eligible. Recordings nominated cannot be entered into any other genre category.
BEST POP ALBUM (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Artists working primarily within the contemporary rock genre are eligible. Greatest hits or “best of” albums by artists are not eligible. Recordings nominated cannot be entered into any other genre category.
BEST URBAN / HIP HOP ALBUM (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Artists working primarily within the urban genres of R’n’B and hip hop are eligible. Greatest hits or “best of” albums by artists are not eligible. Recordings nominated cannot be entered in any other genre category.
BEST AOTEAROA ROOTS ALBUM (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Artists working primarily within the genre of dub, reggae, roots and blues are eligible. Greatest hits or “best of” albums by artists are not eligible. Recordings nominated cannot be entered in any other genre category.
BEST MUSIC VIDEO (JUDGED BY THE ACADEMY)
Concept, direction and performance of the video are the major criteria, not necessarily the excellence of the music. Only videos produced for eligible New Zealand artists and first serviced to broadcast in New Zealand during the period of eligibility (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010) will be considered. The director of the entered video must meet all eligibility requirements of an entered artist. Entry is limited to one video per artist. This award is presented to the director of the video.
BEST MAORI ALBUM (JUDGED BY A VOTING SCHOOL)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Albums can be in either Te Reo Maori language, bi-lingual or english. The main judging criterion is that the music reflects a unique Maori identity and/or is an expression of an artist’s culture and which may not necessarily have any Maori language content. Artistic merit and commercial success will also be taken into account.
BEST ELECTRONICA ALBUM (JUDGED BY A VOTING SCHOOL)
Solo artists and groups and production teams are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Artists working primarily within the electronica genre are eligible. Re-mixes of non-dance artists are ineligible. Greatest hits or “best of” albums by artists are not eligible. Recordings nominated cannot be entered in any other genre category.
BEST GOSPEL / CHRISTIAN ALBUM (JUDGED BY A VOTING SCHOOL)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). This category encompasses all eligible New Zealand gospel and christian recordings, including vocal and/or instrumental, mainstream, traditional and contemporary recordings. Recordings nominated cannot be entered in any other genre category.
BEST CLASSICAL ALBUM (JUDGED BY A VOTING SCHOOL)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). This category encompasses all eligible New Zealand classical recordings, including vocal and/or instrumental, traditional and contemporary recordings. New Zealand featured artists or soloists involved with ensembles or orchestras containing non-New Zealand artists are eligible, provided the album packaging credits the New Zealander(s) as the featured artist(s). Recordings nominated cannot be entered in any other genre category.
BEST PRODUCER (TECHNICAL AWARD, JUDGED BY A VOTING SCHOOL)
Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Technical excellence is the main criterion but commercial merit will be taken into account. Entrants must be in accord with the eligibility requirements and only recordings performed by New Zealand artists are eligible. Artists’ greatest hits or “best of” albums and multi artist compilations are not eligible for nomination.
BEST ENGINEER (TECHNICAL AWARD, JUDGED BY A VOTING SCHOOL)
Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Technical excellence is the main criterion but commercial merit will be taken into account. Entrants must be in accord with the eligibility requirements and only recordings performed by New Zealand artists are eligible. Artists’ greatest hits or “best of” albums and multi artist compilations are not eligible for nomination.
BEST ALBUM COVER (TECHNICAL AWARD, JUDGED BY A VOTING SCHOOL)
Only album recordings are eligible and must have been released within the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). Criteria for judging includes: originality of design concept / overall design appreciation & merchandising impact. The award is given to the designer of the cover. Entrants must be in accordance with the eligibility requirements and only covers designed by New Zealand artists /designers are eligible. Artists’ greatest hits or “best of” albums are eligible for nomination. Multi artist compilations are not eligible for nomination.
INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (JUDGED BY THE RIANZ BOARD)
Solo artists and groups are eligible. For this award, a recording does not have to be first released in New Zealand during the eligibility period (01 June 2009 to 31 May 2010). The award is judged by the RIANZ board and is awarded only at its discretion. Please detail any submission for consideration of an artist in the nomination, highlighting the artist’s significant international achievement. International records sales, chart positions, promotional appearances and live performances are all factors considered by the RIANZ board. The New Zealand Music Awards Committee reserves the right to nominate an artist for this award even if the artist has not been nominated by a New Zealand company.
