NZ GOLD GUITAR AWARDS EVENTS
In 2025, the NZ Gold Guitar Awards will celebrate their 50th anniversary. For half a century, hundreds of amateur country musicians of all ages have travelled to Gore, Southland, to compete for the coveted Gold Guitar. We are excited to celebrate this huge milestone and would love you to join us in Gore.
Below you’ll see the events we hosted in 2024. Official 2025 event information and tickets will be available in Feb 2025. The schedule will be similar to the 2024 timetable below + make sure you’re in town on Thursday 29th May for a special anniversary event - to be announced soon.
2024 EVENT CALENDAR
Fri May 31
MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards - Friday Auditions
Where: Gore Town & Country Club/Gore RSA/Gore Baptist Church
When: Fri May 31, 8am – 5pm
Tickets for this event are available by door sale only.
Door sales:
Auditions, Friday May 31 – Adults $15 and Seniors $10
Three Day Audition Pass – Adults $45, Seniors $32
Children under the age of 17 are free
Come along to one of our three venues and watch many of our auditions. Whether you are supporting family, friends or just wanting to be entertained, there is certainly something for everyone. See if you can pick the finalists like our judges do. So much talent on show.
MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards - Saturday Auditions
Sat June 1
Where: Gore Town & Country Club/Gore RSA/Gore Baptist Church
When: Sat June 1, 8am onwards
Tickets for this event are available by door sale only.
Door sales:
Auditions, Sat June 1 – Adults $15 and Seniors $10
Three Day Audition Pass – Adults $45, Seniors $32
Children under the age of 17 are free
Come along to one of our three venues and watch many of our auditions. Whether you are supporting family, friends or just wanting to be entertained, there is certainly something for everyone. See if you can pick the finalists like our judges do. So much talent on show.
MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards Junior & Intermediate Finals
TICKETS
Where: Gore Town & Country Club, Bury St, Gore
When: Sat June 1 – 6.30pm
Tickets available from iTicket.com, the SBS St James Theatre or via limited door sales.
Adults $40 + booking fee
Child (17 years and under) $10 + booking fee
All the intermediate and junior finalists followed by the awards presentation. Featuring guest artists - 2023 winners Dollys and Summer McKenzie.
MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards - Sunday Auditions, Showcase + Hands of Fame
Sun June 2
Where: Gore Town & Country Club/Gore RSA/Gore Baptist Church
When: Sun June 2, 8am onwards
Tickets for this event are available by door sale only.
Ticket allows entry to Sunday auditions and the Classic Finals, MLT Showcase and Hands of Fame Induction on Sunday 2 June 2024.
Adults $20
Seniors $15
Children, $5
8AM - 12 NOON: AUDITIONS
3PM: MLT SHOWCASE
This event is a variety concert featuring a range of artists that have travelled to Gore to participate in the festival.
HANDS OF FAME INDUCTION
This is tribute to honour people who have made a significant contribution to New Zealand Country Music. The Hands of Fame monument was established by the Gore Country Music Club in 1992.
Over the years many wonderful artists have been honoured, with a handprint cast in concrete at the Hands of Fame site, including: Kenny Rogers, Slim Dusty, Patsy Rigger, Garner Wayne, Suzanne Prentice, Ricky Skaggs and Jade Hurley to name but a few.
MLT NZ GOLD GUITAR AWARDS CLASSIC FINALS
This is a wonderful show case of the depth of talent in country music, with some of our seasoned and polished competitors performing in their categories.
MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards
Senior Finals
TICKETS
Where: Gore Town & Country Stadium, Bury Street, Gore
When: Sunday June 2, 7pm
Tickets available from iTicket or the SBS St James Theatre
Tickets on sale: February, 2023
Adults $47 + booking fee
Child (17 years and under) $10 + booking fee
The culmination of our weekend. The senior finals, this is where we get to see the biggest and brightest New Zealand has to offer strut their stuff. An incredible show full of country talent. The evening features all finalists in the senior award categories, followed by presentation of the awards. Guest artist is 2023 winner Zac Griffith.