A mix of previous winners and new faces make up this year's Waiata Māori Music Awards finalists, with previous winners Troy Kingi, Stan Walker, L.A.B, and Tipene Harmer securing nominations in multiple categories.
Rapper Vayne sees her first nomination for Best Māori Hip Hop Album, as well as Hawkins, who is nominated for Best Single By a Māori Artist.
The Waiata Māori Music Awards were launched in 2007 and celebrate the achievements of outstanding traditional and contemporary music by Māori artists.
Taking place annually in September in the beautiful Hawke's Bay, the awards incorporate four major events over two days, including the Māori Music Expo, Te Kohanga Māori Fashion Show, the Māori Music Celebrity Breakfast, and the Waiata Māori Music Awards ceremony.
