KEY POINTS:
The Mint Chicks were the big winners at the bNet music awards, claiming four prizes, including Artist of the Year.
Guitarist Ruban Nielson was thrilled with the win but said the highlight of his evening was taking home the Best Producer award.
"I was really happy we won the award for producing because we made the record with our dad. It's quite a big deal."
The Auckland foursome is headed by Ruban and his brother Kody. The producer's award is shared by the brothers and their father, Chris Nielson.
Drum'n'bass group Shapeshifter also went home multiple winners, claiming Best Live Act, bNet Song of the Year for the track Bring Change, and Album of the Year for Soulstice.
Despite a series of delays and near-cancellation, the ninth annual show drew hundred-strong crowds to the streets of downtown Auckland on Saturday night.
Organisers opted for a brief gathering at a local bar instead of a traditional awards ceremony before inviting the public to join in the festivities at the inaugural bStreet event.
The free event took place at four venues, with dozens of live bands, many of whom were award finalists.
95 bFM station manager Helen Mobberley said organisers wanted to broaden the event from previous years and include the public, who voted for award winners.
"We wanted to celebrate what is amazing about the bNet community and include the whole community - artists, DJs and the public."
2006 b-NET award winners
Downbeat/Dub Track: Kora Flow.
Hip-hop Track: Opensouls - What Do You Do?
Pop Track: The Phoenix Foundation - Damn the River.
Rock Track: The Mint Chicks - Welcome to Nowhere.
Electronic Track: Concord Dawn - Aces High.
Best Video: The Sneaks - Kuzai Heart U Girl.
Best Live Act: Shapeshifter.
Best Cover Design: The Mint Chicks - Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!
Best Vocalist: Hollie Smith.
Best Producer: Chris, Kody and Ruban Nielson (The Mint Chicks).
Breakthrough Artist of the Year: State of Mind.
Song of the Year: Shapeshifter - Bring Change.
Artist of the Year: The Mint Chicks.
Album of the Year: Shapeshifter - Soulstice.
