AUCKLAND — Universal Music New Zealand is on the hunt for the next generation.

With effect from today, June 4, the major music company presses play on nextWAV., a 12-month industry-first development program that’s designed to find, give a platform to and support emerging young Kiwi talent.

The first-of-its-kind initiative is a holistic one, bringing together organizations and professionals from across NZ’s music industry for provide mentorship and development opportunities for aspiring artists on the way up.

“We created nextWAV. to help shape the future of New Zealand music by supporting local artists at the very beginning of their journey,” comments Matt Kidd, UMNZ co-managing director and co-program creator.

“At a time when discovery is global and competition is greater than ever, it’s critical that aspiring artists are given access to the right tools, networks and opportunities early.”

Adds Myra Hemara, co-managing director, Universal Music New Zealand and co-program creator: “nextWAV. is designed to play a role in this by bringing together the right expertise, partners and support to help shape the next generation of recording artists.”

Participants will receive one-on-one guidance from industry professionals across songwriting, production, branding, live performance and digital strategy, reads a statement, in addition to practical experience in studio environments, creative development spaces and live performance settings.

nextWAV., Kidd continues, “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.”

The program’s principal funding partners are NZ On Air and Creative New Zealand, while supporters include APRA AMCOS, Big Fan, Live Nation New Zealand, The Tuning Fork, New Zealand Music Commission, Launchpad and Play It Strange.

New Zealand has no shortage of world-class talent, from Lorde, to Benee, Broods, Ladyhawke and the legendary Split Enz, which reunited in 2026 for their first tour in almost 20 years. What NZ and its artists do struggle with are conditions that are no fault of their own. The tyranny of distance and the cost of touring is one challenge, another is being seen and heard above the frontline talent on both sides of the Atlantic, and the mine of golden oldies that lives in perpetuity on streaming platforms.

“Aotearoa has a proven track record of producing globally successful artists and remains an independent and well-established environment for developing talent,” comments Sean Warner, president of Universal Music Australia & New Zealand. “Continued investment in emerging artists is key to sustaining that momentum, and initiatives such as nextWAV. support long-term growth across the wider music ecosystem.”

Those young developing artists (aged 16-18) who are “ready to take the next step” are invited to apply.  Hopefuls must be permanent residents or citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand, have parent or guardian consent, and available to participate in the program on the key dates outlined in the Programme Structure. 

Applications open today, Thursday June 4, 2026 and close Sunday, July 19, 2026. Further information is available at www.nextwav.co.nz.