MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards

For almost half a century, hundreds of country musicians of all ages have travelled to Gore, Southland, to compete for the coveted Gold Guitar Award.

Three days of auditions and a spectacular finals night event showcase the best in junior/intermediate and senior categories. There’s a country music showcase concert that’s part of the Classic Final (previously 40+ and 60+ finals), where a stand-out country music contributor is inducted into the Country Music Hands of Fame. This year's inductee is Jodi Vaughan.

The Gold Guitar winner receives a comprehensive prize package to set them on the road to country music stardom.

This prestigious event - the longest running and largest country music club competition in New Zealand - is why Gore is known as the NZ capital of country music.