Introducing the RNZ Waiata 100
RNZ is holding a vote to find the nation’s favourite New Zealand song. Voting for Waiata 100 is now open at vote.rnz.co.nz, and the top 50 songs and 10 waiata Māori will be counted down in a special broadcast hosted by Kara Rickard and guests this Matariki holiday (Friday 10 July) on RNZ National.
The countdown will focus exclusively on New Zealand songs from the past 100 years, coinciding with the early days of local music being broadcast on New Zealand radio and the centenary of music rights organisation APRA.
Head of APRA AMCOS Aotearoa Anthony Healey says: "Over the last 100 years our songwriters have created the sounds and stories of Aotearoa. APRA is proud to have been there beside them all that time, supporting their endeavours. What better way to celebrate APRA's centenary than voting for your favourite songs and waiata. Let all the consideration, the listening, the arguing, and the lobbying begin. Let's get voting!"
RNZ’s Head of Audio Pip Keane says Waiata 100 is an opportunity to celebrate New Zealand songwriters and musicians across many genres and eras.
“Music taste is incredibly subjective and that’s why we are going to the people for their favourites. We’re expecting a lot of debate and a big response from our radio listeners, online audience and music lovers across Aotearoa. If our listeners are lucky enough to have the day off, we want them to celebrate Matariki with us by taking RNZ with them wherever they go throughout the day. We can't wait to see what song is number one."
People can vote for ten songs and five waiata Māori from the longlists. If their favourite song isn’t on the longlists, they can add it in as one of their choices.
Voting is open now at vote.rnz.co.nz, closing at midnight on Sunday 21 June.
The Waiata 100 countdown will run from 10am to 5pm on Friday 10 July on RNZ National, following the Matariki morning broadcast. Numbers 100-51 will be revealed on RNZ platforms across the week before the countdown, with the top 50 songs and 10 Waiata Māori broadcast during the countdown.