NZME wins at 2026 NZ Radio & Podcast Awards

New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) has claimed 22 awards at tonight's 2026 NZ Radio & Podcast Awards, cementing its position as the home of New Zealand's best audio content and talent.

Newstalk ZB led the way once again, taking home the premier Station of the Year Network Award for the sixth consecutive year. Heather du Plessis-Allan once again claimed the coveted Sir Paul Holmes Broadcaster of the Year, Mike Hosking took home Best Talk Presenter Breakfast or Drive, and Marcus Lush won Best Talk Presenter Non-Breakfast or Drive. Raylene Ramsay, who recently celebrated her 40 years at NZME, was recognised as Best News or Sports Reader, and The Sunday Session producer Kerrie Shaw won Best Show Producer or Producing Team Talk Show.

Coast presenter Jon Dunstan was honoured with a Services to Broadcasting Award. Flava's Anna Shine took home Best New Talent Off-Air and Newstalk ZB's Ethan Griffiths was named Best New Talent Journalist.

Radio Hauraki had a standout night, with Bec Sandys winning Best New Talent Presenter, the station’s Day in Loo campaign in support of Bowel Cancer NZ claiming Best Community Campaign, and the G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time) campaign taking Best Music Feature. The Alternative Commentary Collective (The ACC) also had two big wins taking out Best Sponsorship and Partnership for their Export Ultra partnership and Best Sports Podcast with The Agenda.

ZM shone across multiple categories, with Bree & Clint winning Best Music Network Team, Sex.Life taking out Best Health & Wellbeing Podcast and ZM's Wrapped 2025 winning Best Station Trailer.
The Hits celebrated wins in Best Local Music Breakfast Show for The Hits Dunedin Breakfast with Callum and P, Best Client Promotion/Activation, and Best Single Market Station Promotion for The Hits Dunedin's P's Middle Age Mama Cheerleaders.

The NZME Podcast Network was recognised as Best Podcast Producer or Producing Team and the NZME Greymouth team won Best Commercial Campaign.

Jason Winstanley, NZME's Chief Audio Officer, says: “I’m proud of our awesome team – these wins highlight the depth of talent we have right across our audio brands. From our Newstalk ZB newsroom to our iHeartRadio digital audio and podcast teams, our local stations to our breakfast shows, tonight is a reminder of just how many brilliant people who create content that New Zealanders continue to love.”

NZME Chief Executive Michael Boggs says: "Tonight is a fantastic celebration of what NZME does best - connecting with Kiwis through great storytelling, entertaining content and trusted journalism. A huge congratulations to every winner and finalist, and a sincere thank you to our listeners and advertising partners whose support makes everything we do possible."

ENDS