Erny Belle, UMO, and Fazerdaze Nominated for 2025 APRA Awards
The 2025 APRA Silver Scroll and Maioha Award Shortlists
The 2025 APRA Silver Scroll and Maioha Award shortlists have been unveiled, shining a light on some of New Zealand’s most significant songwriting talents, ranging from emerging stars to iconic legends.
Highlights of the Shortlists
Today, APRA AMCOS Aotearoa announced the Top 20 songs in contention for the esteemed Silver Scroll Award | Kaitito Kaiaka. These selections showcase a vibrant mix of genres and generations. Simultaneously, the Top 10 waiata nominated for the APRA Maioha Award | Tohu Maioha emphasize the brilliance of te reo Māori songwriting.
It’s now in the hands of APRA’s New Zealand members—other songwriters—to cast their votes for the standout pieces from the past year. The awards ceremony will take place on October 29th at Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal.
Notable Contenders
Among the frontrunners for the Silver Scroll is "Boudoir" by Erny Belle. This haunting and cinematic piece, co-written by Aimee Renata and Semisi Ma’ia’i, has struck a chord since its release. Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s “Boys With The Characteristics Of Wolves,” crafted by Ruban Nielson, showcases the band’s unique genre-fusing approach. Additionally, Fazerdaze’s catchy “Cherry Pie”—written by Amelia Murray, Gareth Thomas, and Leroy Clampitt—marks her impressive return as one of New Zealand’s most notable pop creators.
Other remarkable nominees include Nadia Reid’s “Baby Bright,” a glowing solo creation, and "Power" by JessB. This politically infused track was co-written with Sampa the Great and others. Marlon Williams makes a double appearance—first with the poignant “Aua Atu Rā,” co-written with Te Pononga Tamati-Elliffe, and also in the Maioha category with “Korero Māori.”
Diverse Selection of Songs
The complete Silver Scroll Top 20 also features works from Mousey, Emily C. Browning, Aaradhna, There’s A Tuesday, Womb, Ladi6, and Lips, who collaborated with Eels’ Mark Oliver Everett on "The Wolf." This lineup offers a rich perspective on the current state of Kiwi songwriting.
The Maioha shortlist stands out as a testament to Māori musical expression and innovation. Notable entries include “Tātarakihi” by TAWAZ X MOHI, which is nominated in both categories, along with “Whakarongo Rā” by Te Rawhitiroa Bosch and “Ki Taku Awa” by Stan Walker. Anna Coddington, a former Silver Scroll finalist, also makes an appearance with “Te Taumata Ike.”
Judging Panel and Voting Process
This year’s Silver Scroll judging panel consists of a diverse range of music industry figures, including Andy Morton (Submariner), Gin Wigmore, Julia Deans, and Sam Trevethick (Shapeshifter). The Maioha panel features influential cultural figures such as Whirimako Black and Tiki Taane.
Voting is currently live, inviting members to choose their Top 5 for the Silver Scroll and Top 3 for the Maioha by midnight on Thursday, July 25th. During the event, additional awards will also be presented, including the SOUNZ Contemporary Award and accolades for Best Original Music in a Feature Film and Series.
Are you excited to see who takes home the awards this year?
