Music Industry News

Universal Music New Zealand (UMNZ), New Zealand’s largest record label, today announced the launch of nextWAV., a first-of-its-kind artist development programme designed to identify and support emerging young artists across Aotearoa.

The 12-month programme, which will bring together leading organisations across the New Zealand music industry, will provide mentorship and development opportunities for secondary school students pursuing careers in music.

Recognising the increasing challenges emerging Kiwi artists face in cutting through both locally and internationally, the programme will be delivered through a series of workshops, offering selected students access to industry expertise, creative development and practical experience across key areas of the music business.

Matt Kidd, UMNZ Co-Managing Director, and co-programme creator, said, “We created nextWAV. to help shape the future of New Zealand music by supporting local artists at the very beginning of their journey. At a time when discovery is global and competition is greater than ever, it’s critical that aspiring artists are given access to the right tools, networks and opportunities early. nextWAV. is about building confidence, capability and connection, while establishing a pathway for New Zealand artists to develop sustainable careers both at home and on the global stage,” added Kidd.

Participants in the programme will receive one-on-one guidance from industry professionals across songwriting, production, branding, live performance and digital strategy, as well as practical experience in studio environments, creative development spaces and live performance settings.

President of Universal Music Australia & New Zealand, Sean Warner, said, “Aotearoa has a proven track record of producing globally successful artists and remains an independent and well-established environment for developing talent. Continued investment in emerging artists is key to sustaining that momentum, and initiatives such as nextWAV. support long-term growth across the wider music ecosystem.”

By bringing together expertise from across the creative and live sectors, the ambition is to establish nextWAV. as a leading model for artist development in Aotearoa, contributing to both the cultural impact and economic growth of New Zealand music, and supporting the long-term goal of New Zealand as a net exporter of music talent.

nextWAV. is also committed to championing the diversity of voices that define Aotearoa, with dedicated places reserved for students creating music in te reo Māori and for those drawing on Pacific culture in their artistic expression.

“As an industry, we need to think more intentionally about how we nurture emerging talent and support artistic growth over time. nextWAV. is designed to play a role in this by bringing together the right expertise, partners and support to help shape the next generation of recording artists,” said Myra Hemara, Co-Managing Director, Universal Music New Zealand and co-programme creator.

nextWAV. is proudly supported by NZ On Air and Creative New Zealand as the programme’s principal funding partners.

The programme is also supported by APRA AMCOS, Big Fan, Live Nation New Zealand, The Tuning Fork, New Zealand Music Commission, Launchpad and Play It Strange.

Designed for young developing artists ready to take the next step, nextWAV. is open to applicants aged 16–18 who are permanent residents or citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand, have parent or guardian consent, and are available to participate in the programme on the key dates outlined in the Programme Structure.

Applications open Thursday 4 June 2026 and close Sunday 19 July 2026. Further information is available here.

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At Universal Music Group, we exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. UMG is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content. Featuring the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans.