Why the NZ Music Month Summit Matters

NZ Music Month is officially back.

Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa | NZ Music Month celebrates the artists, communities, and sounds shaping Aotearoa's music scene, with the month-long initiative championing local talent while fostering connection, discovery, and pride in homegrown music.

It will officially kick off tomorrow (May 2nd) with the NZ Music Month Summit, presented with APRA AMCOS, NZ On Air, and Recorded Music NZ, which brings together artists and industry voices for a packed day of conversations, panels, and insight into the future of music in Aotearoa.

Final free tickets are still available here.

Among those leading the charge tomorrow is 95bFM's Breakfast host Rosetta Stone, who will be joined by The Stomach's Abi Symes, OneOneSix's Jesse Samu, and Amped Music Programme's Natasha Griffiths. Together, they will offer mentorship and guidance for high-school aged bands and musicians.

"Abi, Jesse, and Natasha have spent years working with some of our most driven, talented, and inspiring young people," Stone told Rolling Stone AU/NZ.

"[They] offer a wealth of insight into what a healthy all-ages music scene looks like, how creative agency and empowerment can make a lasting impact for rangatahi, and what the wider Aotearoa music ecosystem stands to gain from making gigs and resources more accessible for our young people."

Prolific Aotearoa producer, songwriter and musician Noema Te Hau III will also take the stage to speak on the strength of using Te Reo Māori in New Zealand music, and why artists should lean into it if it feels natural.

"There’s real momentum behind the language at the moment, and the key is to keep that going, so that future generations don’t feel disconnected from it in the way many of us have," he said.

Music journalist and capability programmes coordinator at the NZ Music Commission Rachel Ashby, artist manager Audrey Siataga, and independent musician Nick Lindstrom will also take part in the day.

Ahead of the Summit, Rolling Stone AU/NZ caught up with these figures helping shape this year’s programme. Read the full story here.