Marlon Williams Claims Silver Scrolls Award in Hometown Celebration

Marlon Williams has secured the prestigious Silver Scroll Award for the best New Zealand song of 2025 with his powerful track “Aua Atu Rā.” The award was presented during a lively ceremony at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch on September 27, 2025. Co-written with Lyttelton rapper Kommi, the song is part of Williams’ acclaimed album Te Whare Tiwekaweka, which has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

This year’s Silver Scrolls marked a significant return to Christchurch, the first time since the devastating Canterbury earthquakes. The ceremony brought together nominees and attendees from across the New Zealand music scene, including local talents such as Dillistrate and Fazerdaze. Williams expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Silver Scrolls are big in terms of awards… this is a peer-nominated award so it’s my people.”

Reflecting on his journey, Williams recalled attending his first Silver Scrolls ceremony in 2009 when he was just 18 years old. He remembered witnessing Lawrence Arabia win the award for “Apple Pie Bed.” Williams noted the changes in Christchurch since then, acknowledging the absence of loved ones who were not present at this celebration. “It’s a real marker of time for it to now come full circle, come back to Christchurch,” he remarked.

Celebrating Musical Excellence

The song “Aua Atu Rā” draws inspiration from the 1960s Māori showbands and serves as the lead track on Williams’ fourth studio album. The album achieved remarkable success, dominating the Aotearoa Official Top 40 Album Chart for an impressive 14 weeks. This victory marks Williams’ second Silver Scroll, making him only the ninth songwriter to win the award multiple times, joining the ranks of distinguished artists such as Ray Columbus and Lorde.

The event was hosted by TV and radio personality Stacey Morrison, alongside Christchurch singer-songwriter Jed Parsons. During the evening, attendees enjoyed performances, including “Aua Atu Rā” by the folk/country duo the Mitchell Twins. Delaney Davidson, the musical director, curated an engaging lineup that showcased the best of New Zealand’s talent.

Other nominees, such as Amelia Murray, known as Fazerdaze, and the indie folk group There’s a Tuesday, also celebrated their nominations. Nat Hutton of There’s a Tuesday shared that their nominated song “Margo” was inspired by her experiences growing up queer in high school. “It feels like a bit of a dream to be standing beside them,” Hutton expressed.

Fazerdaze echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s so special… Just to have my song in the mix, I’m absolutely chuffed.”

A Night of Recognition and Tribute

In addition to Williams’ honour, Christchurch duo Dillistrate received the Maioha Award for their uplifting track “Kei Whati Te Marama.” The award, which celebrates peer recognition, was presented to Henare Kaa and Tim Driver, along with co-writers Hemi Hoskins and Rory Noble. Their song was described as “a tribute to our wāhine who go through so much.” Their joy was palpable, with Tim Driver stating, “It’s an incredible feeling.”

The evening also recognised Ihlara McIndoe as the winner of the SOUNZ Contemporary Award for her composition “Of Coral and Foam.” McIndoe, now based in New York, accepted her award via video message, while her work was reinterpreted by the Heather Webb Ensemble during the ceremony.

The event continued to celebrate musical excellence with awards for Mahui Bridgman-Cooper, who won Best Original Music in a Series for “The Gone Season 2,” and Arli Liberman and Tiki Taane, awarded for Best Original Music in a Feature Film for “Ka Whawhai Tonu – Struggle Without End.”

A highlight of the evening was the induction of the renowned alt-country band The Warratahs into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame. Their influence on the Kiwi music scene has been significant, particularly during a time when country music was still establishing its identity in New Zealand. Local alt/rock songwriter Adam Hattaway paid tribute to the band by performing their classic song “Keep On.”

The evening concluded with a heartfelt tribute to those in the musical community who have passed away in the last year, led by Kommi, Tae Renee, and Delaney Davidson. The final performance by Marlon Williams and Davidson of the song “Blackbird” by Fat Freddy’s Drop left a lasting impression, encapsulating the spirit of the night.

As the Silver Scrolls celebrated its return to Christchurch, the event underscored the resilience and creative spirit of New Zealand’s music community.