Announcing the 2026 APRA Professional Development Award recipients
Please join APRA in congratulating the 2026 APRA Professional Development Award recipients: Geneva Alexander-Marsters (Geneva AM), Lachlan Anderson, Jazmine Mary, Jenny Mitchell, and Liam Richards (Te Wehi). This year's successful applicants represent a mix of genre and experience, united by a commitment to advancing their craft.
Each recipient receives $10,000 to contribute towards the next step of their career enhancement, from mentorship and internships, craft development, to attending art residencies and upskilling camps. The award is intended to help artists develop their skills domestically or internationally, where absence of funds has been a roadblock.
Since the first award was given out in 2005 the Professional Development Awards, which are only available once in a member's career, have now been given to 54 recipients. Previously a bi-annual presentation until 2021, due to the amount and strength of applications and a clear need for support of this nature, it has now become an annual opportunity.
This year's applications were of an incredibly high calibre, making the judging process both challenging and inspiring. The consistent high number of applicants highlights both the impressive talent in Aotearoa and the growing emphasis on career development among local songwriters, signifying the critical role these awards play in supporting our community.
One anonymous juror offered this message to share with regards to the panel's choices: "What attracted the panel to these five writers was their approach to their personal development - and - what they intend to do with those newfound learnings once they have absorbed them. Each of them has a genuine connection to the communities they come from, and the artists that surround them. That generous intention to share their upcoming experiences with their peers is what made these successful recipients stand out."
2026 Recipients
Geneva Alexander-Marsters (Geneva AM)
Geneva AM is Geneva Alexander-Marsters (she/her, Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Aitutaki, Palmerston), an award-winning producer, beat maker and vocalist based in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Her bilingual approach to songwriting has been prominent throughout her musical career, most notably with the band SoccerPractise (2012–2018) and her debut release IO (Waiata / Anthems). This work went on to win Te Tohu Puoro o te Reo Māori (Favourite Song featuring Te Reo Māori) at the 2023 Student Radio Network Awards. In 2024, she released the single ‘T(M)²I’ (Tangaroa Made Me Ill) in two versions (Te Reo and English), followed by ‘PIKIPIKI’ which amassed over 200,000 streams on Spotify. Geneva AM’s vinyl pressing of ‘PIKIPIKI’ was also placed as Flying Out’s #1 best album for 2025.
Geneva has recently won Best Independent Debut and been selected as a finalist for the main Taite Music Prize 2026 for her critically acclaimed debut album ‘PIKIPIKI’ which has been included in the top 10 albums of 2025 by Rollingstone Magazine (#4), Metro Magazine (#10). Her single ‘Urban Planning’ was selected as part of the Rollingstone top 300 songs of the 21st Century (So Far).
A seasoned live performer, Geneva AM has performed both internationally in Japan as well as locally in Aotearoa alongside Che Fu, Anna Coddington, Ladi6, Pan Amsterdam (NYC) as well as headlining the Tangata Whenua stage at Newtown Festival 2026.
Lachlan Anderson
Lachlan Anderson is a composer and musician (Die! Die! Die!) whose work spans film, television series and installations.
He recently scored the dark comedy series Crackhead, created by Holly Shervey and directed by Emmett Skilton, available on Three (NZ) and HBO Max (AU), as well as Malin-Sarah Gozin's (Bad Sisters, Tabula Rasa, Clan) new dark comedy thriller series Dood Spoor/ Dead End, which premiered at Cannes International Series Festival. Malin serves as the show runner and co-director alongside Hans Vercauter. This is Lachlan's second collaboration with Malin since the Netflix psychological thriller Tabula Rasa.
Anderson has recently produced scores for Sasha Rainbow's body-horror film debut Grafted (Shudder) and David Farrier's (Tickled, Dark Tourist, Flightless Bird) investigative documentary Mister Organ (Netflix).
Aside from scoring to picture, Lachlan also plays bass in post punk band Die! Die! Die! Lachlan has collaborated with many artists over the years, creating sound for Jess Johnson and Simon Ward’s planetarium feature film XYZZY; Rosabel Tan, Andy and Beckie’s installation An Inheritance at Manchester Art Gallery; and most recently Sriwhana Spong’s latest film AD.
Jazmine Mary
Jazmine (they/them) is an independent multidisciplinary artist working across production, sound design and performance art, with a strong focus on the sonic arts. They perform as a solo musical artist under the name Jazmine Mary, and as one half of the country duo Pony Baby.
Their sound design work spans dance, theatre and film, including collaborations with the New Zealand Dance Company and Claire O’Neill, as well as a range of independent productions presented in galleries and festivals across New York, India, Australia and Korea. Their work has also featured in festivals such as Tiny Fest, PAWA and the Festival of Live Art.
Driven by experimentation, Jazmine’s practice explores the boundaries of what music and sound can do. After completing a year of Audio Engineering and Music Production at MAINZ in 2016, their learning has been largely shaped by collaboration, performance, artist residencies and the wider music community. They have undertaken self-funded residencies in India, France and Aotearoa, which have played a key role in developing their practice.
As Jazmine Mary, they have released two independent records, with their debut earning Best Independent Debut at the 2022 Taite Music Awards. In 2023, they released and toured Pony Baby’s debut album, completed an artist residency in France, and toured Europe and Australia. Most recently, they undertook a month-long residency in Thailand, performing at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, and released their third Jazmine Mary album I Want To Rock And Roll in 2025, followed by a nationwide tour.
Jenny Mitchell
Aotearoa Best Country Artist Winner and four-time Australian Golden Guitar nominee, Jenny Mitchell is a Melbourne-based storyteller from the deep south of New Zealand. Known for powerful songs wrapped in equal parts grace and grit, Jenny kicked off 2026 opening for global superstars The Lumineers after supporting the iconic Kasey Chambers on a 32 date Australian tour in 2025.
“Every so often, an artist emerges who has everything it takes to reach the pinnacle of country music success. Jenny Mitchell is a star.” Country Music Capital News
Her new two-time Golden Guitar nominated album, Forest House, was recorded in a self-built home studio and is as nostalgic as it is powerful. Described by the AU review as a “sublime slice of folk,” Forest House is an album of warmth, truth and family harmonies.
Known for connecting her music to causes she cares deeply for, Jenny’s tours have created over $2k in donations for conservation group Forest & Bird and her most recent touring project generated over 200 Safe Nights for Women's Refuge.
After winning the NZ Gold Guitar at just 18 years old, Jenny has steadily honed her songwriting craft and carved herself a home in music for over a decade. From gentle folk tunes to songs dripping in sass and country soul, Jenny continues to prove she’s an artist who effortlessly blurs genre lines and, “knows exactly who she is and feels no need to give way,” (The Southland Times).
Liam Richards (Te Wehi)
Rooted in real-life stories and deep cultural pride, Te Wehi is quickly becoming one of Aotearoa’s most exciting new voices. His music blends emotional honesty with a self-produced sound that feels raw, personal, and instantly recognisable.
Building his career independently and driven purely by a love of music, Te Wehi has grown a passionate fanbase across Aotearoa and beyond. That momentum turned into major success in 2025, where his releases consistently held the No.1 position on the Aotearoa Music Charts throughout the year and into 2026.
His rise has been just as powerful on stage. In 2025 he performed on the main stages at Rhythm and Vines, supported L.A.B on their AU/NZ summer tour, and most recently drew huge crowds at Homegrown 2026.
Now in 2026, Te Wehi is entering a new chapter. Teaming up with acclaimed producer Kings, he released his debut album I’m Home, a 14-track project that marks his biggest creative step yet. The release will be followed by his first headline tour across New Zealand and Australia, solidifying his position as one of the country’s fastest-rising artists.