NEWS: VNZMA Awards Announce New Date And New Host

Here’s a line-up of sweet news for Kiwi music fans. The Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards have announced a new date, a new presenter, a new award category and confirmed sponsor support for 2011.

The 2011 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards are now scheduled for Thursday November 3 at Auckland’s Vector Arena.

The awards are normally held in early October but the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) has decided the event should sidestep the Rugby World Cup tournament which concludes on October 23. This year’s music awards also see a change in host with comedian Ben Boyce stepping up to share hosting duties with 2010 co-host, FOUR television presenter Shannon Ryan. Boyce is a former co-host of TV3 show Pulp Sport and more recently the host of WANNA-Ben.

RIANZ also announced in April it was adding a new category to the 46th annual Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards – Best Alternative Album. RIANZ managing director Chris Caddick says alternative music has a strong history in New Zealand dating back to the rise of indie labels in the late 70s. “RIANZ is always looking to ensure that all genres are represented in the music awards,” he says.

Continuing the good news for the awards is the news that naming rights sponsor Vodafone has signed on again for a further three years until 2013. Vodafone has been the naming rights sponsor of the Music Awards for six years.

Vodafone’s Chief Marketing Officer, Greg Campbell, is excited to re-sign with the Awards. “In the six years we’ve been the proud partner of the Awards, we’ve seen the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards go from strength to strength. It’s a great fit for Vodafone; a chance to support the local artists we work with, inspire new musos and an event we’re very much committed to."