About Us

From humble beginnings in 1974, the MLT New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards are one of New Zealand’s most prestigious country music events. Every June, you’ll find contestants from all around the world flocking to Gore to celebrate country music and compete for a chance at the top prize.

Contestants can compete in either the Junior, Intermediate, Senior or Classic sections - depending on their age. They can also choose from a variety of sections, including Male and Female Solo, Gospel, Traditional, New Country, Country Rock, Duet, Vocal Group, NZ Song and Instrumental.

The Awards are held annually over King’s Birthday Weekend. Auditions are held throughout the day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in three venues starting at approximately 8.15am. Contestants may enter as an individual, in a duet and/or as part of a group and have one chance to put their best boots forward and perform their chosen song to audition audiences and judges. Judges then choose a handful of finalists who will have the chance to perform in the NZ Gold Guitar Award Finals.

Saturday night: Junior and Intermediate Finals
Sunday afternoon: Classic Finals + Professional Artists Showcase
Sunday night: Senior Finals

The NZ Gold Guitar Awards are proud to be part of Gore’s 10 day country music festival - Tussock Country. Tussock Country is a dynamic, family friendly country music celebration with a festival calendar boasting over 70 events for audiences of all ages.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TUSSOCK COUNTRY

AWARDS COMMITTEE

  • Phillip Geary

    GGA Convener
    03 208 1978

  • Coral McCauley

    Coral McCauley

    Songwriting Awards & GGA Judges
    03 208 1942

  • Sue Stenning

    GGA Treasurer
    03 208 9979

  • Linda Sinclair

    GGA Committee Member
    027 688 0579

  • Jackie Geary

    GGA Member & Entries