Where: Gore Town & Country Club, RSA, Gore Baptist Church, Calvin Church.

When: Friday 29 May - Sunday 31 May 2026

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Join in and celebrate raw country music talent at New Zealand’s greatest country music event, the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards.

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

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Three days of auditions and spectacular finals night events 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. 

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

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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.

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​AUDITIONS

Auditions are held consecutively at four Gore locations: Gore RSA, Calvin Church, Gore Town & Country Club and the Gore Baptist Church. For times and categories please visit www.goldguitars.co.nz. 

 

Purchase tickets at the door to gain access to auditions. 

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Three Day Audition Pass

Ticket allows entry at all audition venues from Friday – Sunday, plus entry into the Classic Finals, MLT Showcase and Hands Of Fame induction.

Adults $80, Seniors $60, Children $25  

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Friday Auditions   

Ticket allows entry at all audition venues on Friday 29 May 2026.  

Adults $28 and Senior $22. Children 17 years and under $5  

 

Saturday Auditions

Ticket allows entry at all audition venues on Saturday 30 May 2026.  

Adults $28 and Senior $22. Children 17 years and under $5  

 

Sunday Auditions - Senior Section Only

Ticket allows entry to Sunday auditions and the Classic Finals, MLT Showcase and Hands of Fame Induction on Sunday 31 May 2026.

 

Auditions: 8am – 12noon, MLT Showcase & Hands of Fame Induction: 3pm. Gore Town & Country Club.

Adults $35, Seniors $28, Children, $15