Music Commission News

Five student radio stations across the motu make up the Student Radio Network — together, they represent Aotearoa New Zealand’s contemporary, alternative music and broadcast community.

The network consists of 95bFM (Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland), Radio Control 99.4FM (Te Papaioea, Palmerston North), RadioActive 88.6FM (Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington), RDU 98.5FM (Ōtautahi, Christchurch), and Radio One 91FM (Ōtepoti, Dunedin).

Presented in association with Irirangi Te Motu | NZ On Air, and with the incredible support of our sponsors,the 2025 Aotearoa Alternative Awards celebrate emerging local musicians and the passionate volunteers who breathe life into our stations and communities.

This year’s ceremony will be held at Te Papaioea, Palmerston North, and hosted by local station Radio Control 99.4FM.
Station Manager Michael Tile Vamaua says, “Control is beyond excited to host this year’s ceremony! We can’t wait to celebrate all the amazing mahi of our dedicated volunteer community and the creativity of our musicians — the passion and lifeblood that flows through the SRN!”

The ceremony kicks off at 7pm on Saturday, 8 November, and will be streamed LIVE at srn.nz, as well as simulcast across all five SRN station FM frequencies throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Regional watch parties will take place in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland (95bFM), Ōtautahi Christchurch (RDU 98.5FM), and Ōtepoti Dunedin (Radio One 91FM).

Staff and volunteers from Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington’s RadioActive 88.6FM will be road-tripping to join in the ceremony!

During the evening, the Student Radio Network will be delighted to announce the winners of the following TEN National Awards:

Te Tōtahi Toa (Favourite Single)
Brought to you by Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ)

Te Tohu Hopunga Puoro Mariu Poto (Favourite EP)
Brought to you by Recorded Music NZ

Te Tehu Hopunga Puoro Mariu Roa (Favourite Album)
Brought to you by APRA AMCOS Aotearoa

Te Kohinga Waiata Mariu
Brought to you by Creative Sounds – The Stomach

Te Tohu Kaipuoro Toa (Favourite Solo Artist)
Brought to you by Irirangi Te Motu | NZ On Air

Te Rōpu Mariu (Favourite Group)
Brought to you by The Tuning Fork & San Fran

Te Tohu Puoro o te reo Māori (Favourite Song featuring Te Reo Māori)
Brought to you by Te Māngai Pāho

He Tohu Kahurangi (Outstanding Achievement)
Brought to you by NZ Music Commission | Te Reo Reka O Aotearoa

Te Whiringa Toa 2025 ki a Te Pou Hononga (The SRN Top 10 of 2025)
Brought to you by AudioCulture | Iwi Waiata

Te Tohu Kōwhiringa Tangata (People’s Choice)
Brought to you by Brew Union

Station representatives from across the motu will be present to announce the winners of their THREE respective Regional Awards:

Te Waiata Mariu 2025 | Favourite Song of 2025
Awarded to a local artist

Te Tohu Kairangi | Outstanding Contribution
Awarded to a local volunteer

He Tohu Kahurangi o te Pahotanga ̄ | Outstanding Achievement in Broadcasting
Awarded to a local volunteer

2025 AOTEAROA ALTERNATIVE AWARDS
7 PM, 8 November, Te Papaioea
Livestreaming on SRN.NZ – Simulcast across all SRN stations

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