Marlon Williams & Kommi Tamati-Elliffe take top Country Honour as Topp Twins celebrated in emotional Gore night

A huge congratulations to Marlon Williams and Kommi Tamati-Elliffe, who have taken out the 2026 APRA Best Country Music Song Award with their powerful track ‘Whakameatia Mai’.

The win was announced at tonight’s Country Music Honours, held in Gore, where some of Aotearoa’s top country artists gathered for the annual red-carpet celebration. The event marked the official opening of the Tussock Country Music Festival, kicking off 10 days dedicated to the genre and its growing community.

Whakameatia Mai stood out among a strong field, earning Marlon his second APRA Best Country Music Song Award after his 2013 win with co-writer Delaney Davidson, for Bloodletter. The track comes from his latest album Te Whare Tīwekaweka and carries a message that resonated deeply on the night. In his acceptance speech, Marlon described it as “an all-in song about togetherness and being fully engaged with the world, that this world is not the rehearsal”. He also took a moment to acknowledge co-writer Kommi Tamati-Elliffe (who was in Gore to accept the award in person), producer Mark Perkins and his band, The Yarra Benders, crediting them as the backbone of the song. He went on to congratulate other finalists Tami Neilson, TheWesternGuide and Tom Lark.

The MLT Songwriting Award, which celebrates unreleased original songs, was awarded to Ron Mitchell for Wedding Ring. Performed on the night by his daughter Maegan Mitchell, the track is a classic country rock feel and is written for anyone waiting for a cowboy to pop the question. A three-time finalist, Ron’s win marks a meaningful milestone in his songwriting journey. His recent album Dead On Country reflects the same signature storytelling style he's known for, touching on everything from relationships to rural life with warmth and wit.

Mel Parsons was named runner-up for her song Not Enough, continuing her run of recognition for deeply honest songwriting. She described the track as a reflection on low moments, “But even though the lyrics are a little bleak, the music feels optimistic, in the way that when you're down you know you just have to sit with it, and things will eventually come back to being ok.”

One of the most moving moments of the evening came with the presentation of the Country Music Honour for Contribution to Country Music, awarded to the Topp Twins. Dame Lynda and Dame Jools were recognised for their longstanding impact on the industry and their commitment to uplifting others. The tribute included heartfelt words from fellow artists, including Tami Neilson (2025 inaugural recipient), who shared how the duo’s support shaped her own career. “Without the Toppies taking me under their wings, uplifting me and bringing me around NZ on tour with them countless times, I would not be the artist or the person that I am today. They are the touchstone that grounds me and the standard to which I always strive.” 

Hosted by Jeff Rea, Chairperson of the Tussock Festival Trust and the very first MLT Songwriting Award winner, the night also featured performances from special guests The Warratahs and a mix of finalists from both categories, creating a warm, live-music atmosphere that matched the spirit of the awards.

We were honoured to be at the 2026 Country Music Awards, and to kick off Tussock Country Music Festival.

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