AUCKLAND, Today: NZME has cleaned up at the 2025 NZ Radio & Podcast Awards, taking home over 30 trophies – including eight premier awards across music, news, sport, podcasting and creative campaigns.
Newstalk ZB led the charge, winning Station of the Year – Network. Heather du Plessis-Allan was named Broadcaster of the Year, with Mike Hosking winning Best Talk Presenter for the 11th time.
Marcus Lush claimed Best Talk Presenter – Non-Breakfast or Drive for the ninth year in a row. Jason Pine was a joint winner for Best Sports Presenter, while Niva Retimanu picked up two awards.
Long-serving broadcasters Malcolm Jordan and Daniel Wrightson were also honoured for their contributions to the industry.
Jamie Mackay, host of The Country, received the Outstanding Contribution to Radio Award, just over a year after being appointed an ONZM for services to rural broadcasting.
ZM’s Fletch, Vaughan & Hayley won Best Music Breakfast Show – Network. Pixie Cockerill took out Best New Off-Air Talent, adding to ZM’s strong results on the night.
Radio Hauraki earned the Blackie Award for its viral Pinot Wahs campaign, and also picked up Best Sponsorship for its Dad’s Pies Hauraki Pie collaboration.
“It’s fantastic to recognise our talented on-air hosts and teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes, all who share a deep love for this cherished media platform.” – Jason Winstanley
The Hits had a strong showing, with wins for Hayley Bath, Larissa O’Reilly, and the KidsCanBall campaign. Coast’s Lorna Riley was named Best Music Network Host.
iHeartRadio podcasts picked up multiple wins, including Sportscafe-ish, Kōrero, Heaven’s Helpline, and Hope is Real – which saw Jazz Thornton named Best New Talent – Presenter.
NZME also claimed Best Client Promotion for the ANZ Donation Station campaign, and its Auckland agency team received special commendation. The Oamaru team won Best Commercial Campaign for the Honda Song a Long.
“Running our radio stations and digital audio platforms around the clock requires a huge amount of dedication and commitment from multiple people across NZME.
“It’s fantastic to recognise our talented on-air hosts and teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes, all who share a deep love for this cherished media platform,” Jason Winstanley, NZME Chief Audio Officer.
“It’s been a great evening celebrating the strength of radio and podcasting with our fellow industry peers tonight. Kiwis love radio – whether they enjoy it through traditional broadcast or via digital platforms – our industry is thriving.
“I’m especially proud of our NZME team – it was awesome to see so many of our talented people across multiple teams recognised this evening. A big thanks also to our valued listeners and to our advertising clients who support NZME’s radio and digital audio business – we’re hugely grateful for your ongoing loyalty,” Michael Boggs, NZME CEO.
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