Marlon Williams Triumphs at 2025 Silver Scroll Awards in Christchurch

Marlon Williams has secured the prestigious Silver Scroll Award for the top New Zealand song of 2025 with his poignant track “Aua Atu Rā.” The award, co-written with rapper Kommi, was announced at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch, marking a significant return to the city for the ceremony since the Canterbury earthquakes. The event was held on Wednesday night and was attended by a host of local artists, including nominees Dillistrate, Fazerdaze, and There’s a Tuesday.

Reflecting on the importance of the Silver Scrolls, Williams stated, “Silver Scrolls are big in terms of awards… this is a peer-nominated award so it’s my people.” He reminisced about attending his first ceremony in 2009, where he witnessed Lawrence Arabia win with the song “Apple Pie Bed.” Williams expressed a mix of nostalgia and gratitude, noting the changes in Christchurch since that time, particularly the loss of friends he wished could celebrate with him.

The song “Aua Atu Rā” draws inspiration from the 1960s Māori showbands and serves as the lead track on Williams’ latest album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka. This album has enjoyed remarkable success, securing the number one position on the Aotearoa Official Top 40 Album Chart for an impressive 14 weeks. With this latest accolade, Williams becomes the ninth songwriter to win the Silver Scroll Award multiple times, joining the ranks of esteemed artists such as Ray Columbus, Dave Dobbyn, and Lorde.

Celebrating Local Talent

The night was not only about Williams’ achievement. Fellow nominees also shared their experiences, including Nat Hutton from There’s a Tuesday, who described their nominated song “Margo” as an exploration of her “alter ego” during her queer upbringing. Hutton expressed excitement about being alongside such talented artists, stating, “It feels like a bit of a dream to be standing beside them.”

Another nominee, Amelia Murray, known as Fazerdaze, expressed her honor at being part of the event. “It’s so special… Just to have my song in the mix, I’m absolutely chuffed,” she said. The ceremony featured performances from various artists, with the Silver Scroll Top 5 finalists including “Aua Atu Rā,” performed by The Mitchell Twins.

The evening was hosted by TV and radio personality Stacey Morrison alongside local singer-songwriter Jed Parsons. Delaney Davidson served as the musical director, curating performances that celebrated the nominees’ contributions to New Zealand music.

In another highlight of the ceremony, local duo Dillistrate received the Maioha Award for their uplifting track “Kei Whati Te Marama.” The award, which is peer-voted, was presented to Henare Kaa and Tim Driver, alongside co-writers Hemi Hoskins and Rory Noble. The song was described as a tribute to the resilience of women. Driver expressed the significance of the recognition, saying, “You work your absolute *** off for as long as you can remember, it’s an incredible feeling.”

A Tribute to Musical Heritage

The SOUNZ Contemporary Award was awarded to Dunedin-based composer Ihlara McIndoe for her composition “Of Coral and Foam.” Currently residing in New York, McIndoe accepted the award via video message. The Heather Webb Ensemble performed her work during the ceremony, showcasing the depth of contemporary New Zealand music.

Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper was recognized for Best Original Music in a Series for the NZ/Irish co-production “The Gone Season 2,” while Arli Liberman and Tiki Taane received the Best Original Music in a Feature Film Award for “Ka Whawhai Tonu – Struggle Without End.”

During the ceremony, the renowned band The Warratahs was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame for their lasting influence on the Kiwi country music scene. Local songwriter Adam Hattaway paid tribute by performing their classic “Keep On.”

The evening concluded with a poignant tribute to musicians who have passed away in the past year, featuring performances by Kommi, his bandmate Tae Renee, and Delaney Davidson. Williams and Davidson also captivated the audience with a rendition of the Fat Freddy’s Drop song “Blackbird,” marking a memorable end to a night celebrating New Zealand’s vibrant music community.