Battle of the Bands 2025 National Championship in Canterbury

Entries Are Now Open for the Battle of the Bands 2025 National Championship

This year, Battle of the Bands National Championship celebrates its 30th Anniversary.

The first 2025 competition events are taking place in August, running through September with finals in October 2025.

Entry Process
Bands enter online at www.battleofthebands.co.nz
After registration, bands are placed into a heat at a venue nearest their location.
We recommend bands enter now to ensure a placement at their nearest venue.

History of the Event
Battle of the Bands – National Championship has been an annual feature of the New Zealand music scene since 1993. In that time the event has developed significant brand recognition and is strongly supported within its target demographic. Many well-known NZ music artists have been previous winners and finalists of the event; such as OPSHOP, TADPOLE, BLINDSPOTT, BAKERS EDDY, SKINNY HOBOS, STRANGELY AROUSING, BRENDON THOMAS & THE VIBES, THE RUBICS, ALIEN WEAPONERY, VALKYRIE and Members of I AM GIANT, DEVILSKIN to name just a few.

Aims and Overview
The event consists of multiple live shows held at leading professional live music venues throughout the country. Each year typically sees bands from all over NZ competing for a place at the National Final, which is held in Auckland, in recent years over 2 nights.

The primary function of the Battle of the Bands National Championship is to provide a platform for emerging music talent to obtain greater public awareness and broaden their opportunities in the search for music industry recognition & progression as well as provide ready set up live events for participating bands to gain more stage experience, to road-test and develop their songs and stage craft. Since 2009 the event has also offered greater involvement for fan/viewers, by means of competitions, digital developments and engagement within the judging by the use of audience voting.

Prizes / Sponsors
Over the years, Battle of the Bands - National Championship has been supported by many of NZ's premier brands (As well as International companies), from recording studios, musical instrument retailers and their international top brands, clothing and footwear brands, music festivals, beverage companies, universities and much more. The 2022 prize list and supporting sponsors is partially complete with further announcements due shortly.

National Tour of New Zealand
This year the national winning band will win a NATIONAL TOUR with tour dates taking place in 2026