The 51st Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards ceremony will be hosted by Jono Pryor and Ben Boyce, aka ‘Jono & Ben’ – one of TV and radio’s most loved comedy couples. The irreverent pair has been tasked with leading the celebrations of yet another sensational year in Kiwi music. 

No strangers to the music industry, the lads have hosted The Rock’s Drive show since 2014.  Their successful mix of comedy and banter entertains thousands of commuting listeners every evening with hard hitting interviews, analysis of the big issues and the best rock music on radio.

“I think we were given the hosting gig to stop us trying to sneak into the celebrity section each year,” said Jono.  "I am just pumped to finally be invited to a music award show."

Now they bring their A-game to host the most prestigious night in New Zealand music.

"This has all been an elaborate ploy to get a selfie with Lorde,” said Ben. “For one night in our lives we get to hang out with cool musicians.  We’re just looking forward to finding out who is going to win ‘The Best Inland Revenue Hold music’ category.”

But that isn’t the only big reveal of the day. After all, there are a bunch of talented individuals behind the scenes who help bring our favourite artists’ visions to life.

So, on a slightly more serious note, the team at Recorded Music NZ are stoked to announce the first annual Artisan Awards, a standalone cocktail event held on Thursday, 20 October at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland says Recorded Music Chief Executive Officer Damian Vaughan.

“The Artisan Awards are a part of the build up to the Vodafone NZ Music Awards that specifically acknowledges the producers and engineers who capture, craft and enrich the artists’ musical works into final recordings, as well as the talented visual artists translating the musicians’ visions into album artwork and music videos.  

The Tuis up for grabs at the 2016 Artisan Awards include (NZ on Air) Best Music Video, (Massey University) Best Producer, Best Engineer and Best Album Cover.

Finalists for both the Vodafone Music Awards and the Artisan Awards are announced on 13 October, with the Artisan Awards ceremony happening on 20 October at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland.

The Vodafone Music Awards celebration is on 17 November where the winners of each category are announced for 2016.

Key dates for 2016 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards:

•  Thursday, 13 October: 
Finalist’s announcement, Artisan finalist announcement and Critics’ Choice line-up

•  Thursday, 20 October:
Artisan awards & Legacy recipient announcement (Pullman Hotel)

•  Wednesday, 2 November
Critics’ Choice Prize event and winner announcement (Tuning Fork)

•  Thursday, 17 November
Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards ceremony (Vector Arena)

Tickets go on sale 10th October, $25 general admission + booking fee, available from Ticketmaster.