05 Jun 2026
Breaking into the music industry can seem like an insurmountable challenge for aspiring musicians.
Universal Music New Zealand, along with principal funding partners NZ On Air and Creative New Zealand, has launched nextWAV., a unique artist development programme designed to identify and support emerging young artists across Aotearoa.
The 12-month programme will bring together leading organisations from across the New Zealand music industry. Through a series of workshops, selected students will receive one-on-one guidance from industry professionals in songwriting, production, branding, live performance and digital strategy, as well as practical experience in studio environments, creative development spaces and live performance settings.
“We are very aware of the challenges facing young artists entering the competitive global music market, especially for rangatahi in Aotearoa,” says Claire Murdoch, Senior Manager, Arts Development.
She says Creative New Zealand’s investment is aimed at strengthening industry pathways and impactful careers in the arts.
“Aotearoa has exceptionally talented students making and studying all forms of music. If they are offered the right tools, networks and support, they can thrive.
“It’s great to see this initiative kicking off thanks to the commitment of all partners and the team here in making it happen.
“It’s also a particularly exciting opportunity for young waiata reo and Pasifika students.
“We look forward to seeing how this fresh approach to artist development in our country might make possible a diversity of unique New Zealand voices.”
Universal Music Group’s Co-Managing Director and co-programme creator, Matt Kidd, says nextWAV. was created to help shape the future of New Zealand music by supporting local artists at the very beginning of their journey.
“nextWAV. is about building confidence, capability and connection, while establishing a pathway for New Zealand artists to develop sustainable careers both at home and on the global stage,” he says.
An underlying ambition of bringing together the creative and live sectors is to establish nextWAV. as a leading model for artist development in Aotearoa. The programme aims to contribute to both the cultural impact and economic growth of New Zealand music, while supporting the long-term goal of New Zealand as a net exporter of music talent.
nextWAV. is also dedicated to championing the diversity of voices that define Aotearoa. As part of this commitment, a number of places on the programme will be reserved for students wanting to create music in te reo Māori and for those drawing on Pacific culture in their artistic expression.
The programme is also supported by APRA AMCOS, Big Fan, Live Nation New Zealand, The Tuning Fork, New Zealand Music Commission, Launchpad and Play It Strange.
New Zealand students aged 16–18 are eligible to apply, with applicants required to submit original music of any genre and supporting creative materials.
Applications open Thursday 4 June 2026 and close Sunday 19 July 2026.
Further information is available at www.nextwav.co.nz