Universal Music New Zealand (UMNZ) has launched nextWAV., an artist development program for secondary school students pursuing careers in music.
UMNZ, which describes itself as the country’s largest record label, announced the program on Thursday (June 4).
The 12-month program is open to applicants aged 16 to 18 who are permanent residents or citizens of New Zealand.
Applications opened on Thursday and will close on Sunday (July 19).
Up to 10 students will be selected for the program.
UMNZ describes nextWAV. as a “first-of-its-kind” program for the next generation of recording artists in Aotearoa.
Participants will receive one-on-one guidance from industry professionals across songwriting, production, branding, live performance and digital strategy, UMNZ said.
Selected students will also gain practical experience in studio, creative development and live performance settings as part of nextWAV.
“At a time when discovery is global and competition is greater than ever, it’s critical that aspiring artists are given access to the right tools, networks and opportunities early.”
Matt Kidd, Universal Music New Zealand
Matt Kidd, UMNZ Co-Managing Director and co-program creator, said: “We created nextWAV. to help shape the future of New Zealand music by supporting local artists at the very beginning of their journey.
“At a time when discovery is global and competition is greater than ever, it’s critical that aspiring artists are given access to the right tools, networks and opportunities early. nextWAV. is about building confidence, capability and connection, while establishing a pathway for New Zealand artists to develop sustainable careers both at home and on the global stage,” added Kidd.
UMNZ said it created the program in recognition of the challenges that New Zealand artists face in cutting through locally and internationally.
The share of locally written or composed music streamed in Australia and New Zealand fell by 31% over five years, according to APRA AMCOS.
Local music accounted for 9.5% of streams across the two countries in 2024–2025, the rights body said.
“Aotearoa has a proven track record of producing globally successful artists and remains an independent and well-established environment for developing talent.”
Sean Warner, Universal Music Australia & New Zealand
“Aotearoa has a proven track record of producing globally successful artists and remains an independent and well-established environment for developing talent,” said Sean Warner, President of Universal Music Australia & New Zealand.
“Continued investment in emerging artists is key to sustaining that momentum, and initiatives such as nextWAV. support long-term growth across the wider music ecosystem,” Warner added.
Warner was appointed President of Universal Music Australia & New Zealand in January 2023.
Kidd and Myra Hemara were promoted to UMNZ Co-Managing Directors in May 2025, succeeding Adam Holt.
Myra Hemara, UMNZ Co-Managing Director and co-program creator, said: “As an industry, we need to think more intentionally about how we nurture emerging talent and support artistic growth over time.
“nextWAV. is designed to play a role in this by bringing together the right expertise, partners and support to help shape the next generation of recording artists,” Hemara added.
“As an industry, we need to think more intentionally about how we nurture emerging talent and support artistic growth over time.”
Myra Hemara, Universal Music New Zealand
nextWAV. has reserved places for students creating music in te reo Māori and for those drawing on Pacific culture, UMNZ said.
The program’s principal funding partners are NZ On Air and Creative New Zealand.
nextWAV. is also supported by APRA AMCOS, Big Fan, Live Nation New Zealand, The Tuning Fork, the New Zealand Music Commission, Launchpad and Play It Strange.
UMNZ said it wants to establish nextWAV. as a model for artist development in Aotearoa.
The company said the program supports a long-term goal of New Zealand becoming a net exporter of music talent.Music Business Worldwide
