Welcome to the MLT New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards website.

The 2019 MLT New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards will be held from Friday 31st May - Sunday 2nd June 2019 following a week of country music celebrations, including the newly formed Miss Gold Guitar Evening, NZ Country Music Awards, MLT Songwriting Awards, various concerts & busking competitions.

Every year for the last 46 years Gore has hosted the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards. This event attracts artists from around the world and continues to grow in stature and popularity.

Audience levels reach over 5,000 and the entries in all sections and events total 700 competitors. Visitors to Gore leave with fond memories of the ‘Southern Hospitality’ and along with the locals, just soak up the Country Music atmosphere.

The festival begins with a walk up concert at the Gore Country Music Club Rooms Longford Function Center then continues with the Songwritingand the NZ Country Music Awards for the RIANZ Best Country Album and APRA Best Country Song finals.

The MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards are held annually on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Queen’s Birthday Weekend. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday auditions are held in three venues starting at approximately 8.15am.  At the auditions judges choose finalists in the various sections. The Junior and Intermediate finals are held on Saturday night and the senior final night is Sunday night. The 40 Plus and 60 Plus finals are held in the stadium on Sunday with the Professional Artists Showcase concert on mid Sunday afternoon. Contestants may enter as an individual, in a duet and/or as part of a group.

Contestants compete in either the junior, intermediate, senior or 40 Plus and 60 Plus sections, depending on their age. There are a variety of sections, including male and female solo, gospel, traditional, new country, country rock, duet, vocal group, NZ Song and instrumental.

High quality bands provide backing for contestants. See the rules for details of the conditions of entry.

Homestay rental accommodation available

Contact:  Sue Stenning 03 208 9979

Motorhome Friendly Town
Stay at the A&P Showgrounds which is in direct walking distance to the event! Click here for more information