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2026 Schedule

The New Zealand Podcast Awards 2026

 

But how do you enter? And which category will fit your unique show best? Discover the main rules and key timings below. Got a question? Check out the FAQs.

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Key Dates for NZ Podcast Awards 2026:

  • 25 June – Register Your Interest on our website

  • 06 August – Entries Officially Open for Submission

  • 09 October – Entries Officially Close

  • 12 October – Listener’s Choice Voting Opens

  • 19 November – Listener’s Choice Voting Closes

  • 26 November – Winners Announced

 

KEY RULES

 

If you've created at least six episodes of a single podcast before August 31st 2026 - and they're still available to download in podcast form - then you're likely to be able to enter.

 

Full rules are here, but generally the audio you submit must be:

 

  • a single MP3

  • up to a maximum of 15 minutes long (except Best Fiction & Best Documentary)

  • including (up to) a maximum of 5 clips, from at least 3 different episodes (unless stated)

  • be taken only from material first published between Aug 1 2025 and August 31 2026

 

It should be audio that best describes the great work that you do. Alongside it, you can submit background information and/or tracklisting. This is where you should explain your show and demonstrate the success you’ve had (perhaps from stats, social, reviews, listeners comments etc)

 

ENTRY FEES

 

There are two price bands for each entry in the awards:

 

Independent podcasters, educational institutions or charities: $50.

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Corporate podcasts (if it's part of any business/corporate entity: $90.

 

Fees are paid per entry, per category. You can make as many entries as you wish (up to three per podcast series).

 

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ENTRY FEES.

 

In order to be sustainable and ensure that every entry is treated fairly, we do need to pay those helping to organise awards, and administrative fees like web hosting, marketing and graphic design. We also spend money promoting the winners - so if you win, your $$ fee can turn into $$$$s of PR. We also do our best to minimise fees compared to similar awards around the world.

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The two pricing bands reflect the very diverse New Zealand podcasting scene. Our very broad thinking is that if your show is a labour of love or isn’t really designed to make any money then you should qualify as an independent podcaster. If it’s part of a business or organisation (whether the podcast is purely promotional or revenue-generating) or if your ability to make the podcast is enabled by a business or organisation, then you should be paying the corporate podcast fee. 

 

Information for the winners announcement will be given when nominations are revealed. 

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