APRA Best Jazz Composition Award presentation

APRA AMCOS Aotearoa are excited to celebrate the 2026 APRA Best Jazz Composition Award alongside Wellington Jazz Festival this October. Now in its 11th year, the award acknowledges the depth and diversity of the Jazz community in Aotearoa and celebrates outstanding original compositions from the past year. The winner of the award will be announced at the event and will receive a $1,000 cash prize. Past winners include Cory Champion, Lucien Johnson, Louisa Williamson and Lauren Ellis. RSVP HERE.

Stick around after the awards to see Te Ao Kōhatu, a specially commissioned performance by acclaimed drummer-composer Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa (Ruawaipu, Ngāti Porou) , the 2026 Festival’s commissioned artist. Read more about the show and purchase tickets here.