MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards

27/07/2026

Rolling Stone AU/NZ ❤️ premiering ‘Capital of Country Music’.

Rolling Stone AU/NZ is thrilled to premiere 'Capital of Country Music', an in-depth documentary about New Zealand's country music heartland

19/07/2026

🎟️ Tickets on sale now!
Support Simon & Grier on the 31st of October 🎉

13/07/2026

We hope Simon Thompson appreciates how much restraint it took not to make this amazing shot his winning photo that went out to the newspapers! We simply have to share it now, as it completely captures the joy of taking the top spot!

01/07/2026

MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards 2027 ✨
Lock those dates in and start planning folks!
JUNE 4 - 6 | GORE NZ

25/06/2026

What a brilliant shot of our Overall Senior Winner Simon Thompson

If you’d like to relive the moments from this year’s awards, the full photo gallery is available here https://exposedpixelsphotography.pixieset.com/guestlogin/2026mltgoldguitars/, with high-res digital images available thanks to Exposed Pixels Photography.

A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to bring the Gold Guitars to life, and the social channels this year were all about getting results and highlights out as quickly as possible for those following along at home.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep building on that coverage next year, including deeper profiles on our winners and more behind-the-scenes storytelling from the event.

Thanks for all the support throughout this year’s awards. The team at MLT NZ Gold Guitars continue to make it all happen. Here’s to 2027.

15/06/2026

Our 2026 Senior MLT NZ Gold Guitar Winners! What a spectacular line up!

09/06/2026

And wait there's still more.... just a wee something different for a weekday... can't WAIT!!!

09/06/2026

For 30 years, Phil Geary has been at the heart of the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards.

As Convenor, Phil has helped guide, grow and nurture the event into what it is today, creating opportunities for countless artists, volunteers and supporters to be part of New Zealand's country music community. His dedication extends far beyond the stage, with decades of behind-the-scenes work, leadership, encouragement and unwavering commitment to the people who make the Gold Guitars so special.

Many of us have fond memories of Phil's guidance, generosity and willingness to lend a hand. His contribution has left a lasting mark on generations of performers and on the Gold Guitars family as a whole.

We are incredibly proud to see Phil recognised as a finalist for the 2026 Southland Creative Arts Awards in the Sono Sound Lifetime Achievement category – a fitting acknowledgement of his outstanding service to the arts in Murihiku.

Congratulations, Phil. This recognition is richly deserved.