Music Commission News

The 2025 Aotearoa Alternative Awards Winners Have Been Revealed!

On Saturday 8 November, ten National Awards were presented to some of our favourite musicians and bands from across the motu, while also recognising each station’s best broadcasters, most dedicated volunteers, and favourite local songs of 2025.

Our 2025 AAA nominee list showcased a huge lineup of musicians — from solo artists to full bands and large collaborations — representing a diverse array of the best independent and alternative musical acts across Aotearoa! The awards and their winners showcase the cultural creativity that is shared across our network’s airwaves, painting an amazing picture of our collective musical landscape.

So, without further ado, the Student Radio Network of Aotearoa New Zealand, in association with NZ On Air, is delighted to announce the winners for the following awards:

Te Tōtahi Toa – Favourite Single
Brought to you by Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ)
Dale Kerrigan – ‘MORNINGTON PARK’

Te Tohu Hopunga Puoro Mariu Poto – Favourite EP
Brought to you by Recorded Music NZ
PollyHill, Samara Alofa – Aquaries: Age Of Uranus

Te Tohu Hopunga Puoro Mariu Roa – Favourite Album
Brought to you by APRA AMCOS Aotearoa
BIRDPARTY – BIRDPARTY

Te Kohinga Waiata Mariu – Favourite Compilation
Brought to you by Creative Sounds – The Stomach
Freddy Street Records – DJVA001: Dysfunctional Junkies Vol. 1

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

Te Rōpū Mariu – Favourite Group
Brought to you by The Tuning Fork & San Fran
MOKOMOKAI

Te Tohu Puoro o te reo Māori – Favourite Song featuring Te Reo Māori
Brought to you by Te Māngai Pāho
Byllie-jean – ‘Hinekoukou’

Te Tohu Kōwhiringa Tangata – People’s Choice
Brought to you by Brew Union
mieke

He Tohu Kahurangi – Outstanding Achievement
Brought to you by NZ Music Commission | Te Reo Reka O Aotearoa
MusicHelps -Āwhina Puoro

Te Whiringa Toa 2025 ki a Te Pou Hononga – The SRN Top 10 of 2025
Brought to you by AudioCulture | Iwi Waiata
1. Crystal Chen – ‘Kiss It Better’
2. Ringlets – ‘Street Massage’
3. Cindy – ‘Big Summer Blowout’
4. Mokotron – ‘WAEREA’
5. SODA BOYZ – ‘Enough’
6. Pearly* – ‘Superglue’
7. Hail, Meteor! – ‘Sweet’
8. either eyether – ‘opening night/welcome back’
9. Fazerdaze – ‘Cherry Pie’
10. Fouler – ‘Shortening’

But, the fun didn’t stop there!

Each of the five stations that make up the SRN presented three Regional Awards.

Every SRN station is blessed with incredibly passionate and dedicated individuals who keep our lights on, the music playing, and our communities engaged. This network could not have had an award ceremony in the first place, without our amazing volunteers, who dedicate their time and energy to ensuring you hear great content, all day, every day. We are grateful for each and every one of you!

Check out the Regional Award winners to the left.

If you missed the ceremony, you can still catch the stream here. It will be available on-demand soon via the SRN YouTube channel.

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