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The 2021 NZ Podcast Awards Presented By rova Has Announced Its Inaugural Winners
11 NOVEMBER, 2021
The 2021 NZ Podcast Awards Presented by rova has today announced its inaugural winners.
An esteemed pool of local and international judges have trawled through submissions from 170+ Kiwi podcasts, which came from 400+ nominations.
The rova Listeners’ Choice Award, won by indie podcast The Shit Show, received more than 17,000 votes in total from podcast fans across the country.
Richard North, Co-Founder of the NZ Podcast Awards, said: “We’ve been so impressed by the breadth and quality of the Kiwi podcasting scene. Our judges have had a really tough job choosing winners for each of the categories and it was an incredibly close call due to the high standard of entrants. The aim of the awards was to shine a light on the industry and reward all the hard work that podcasters put in. We’ve taken a lot of learnings from this first year and next year promises to be even bigger and better.”
“Judging for each category took into account a combination of judges’ scores (including points for entertainment value, audio quality, and more) as well as listenership and fan votes. In many categories, there was very little between the top five or six podcasts, which is a strong indicator of the high quality of podcasts being produced here in Aotearoa”
The Shit Show also took out Gold in the Acast Best Independent Podcast Award, winning a RØDE prize pack.
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RNZ took out the Best Publisher Award, edging out Stuff and Rova for the Gold. RNZ’s hugely popular Black Sheep won Gold in both the True Crime and Culture & Arts categories.
iHeart (NZME) fared well in the radio crossover categories, winning multiple awards, including Best Comedy & Entertainment, Best News & Politics and Best Radio Podcast.
Mediworks/rova dominated the Maori and Pasifika Podcast or Host award, winning both gold and silver, whilst Stuff are represented by several excellent podcasts including One Hot Minute, Collapse and He’ll be Right. The Spinoff saw success with The Real Pod (Silver) and Business is Boring (Gold)
While the large radio networks gained plenty of recognition, independent podcasts delivered the majority of awards, with The Girls Uninterrupted, Get Flushed and The Provise Project all proving popular with judges and fan voters.
Well-known comedian Urzila Carlson also scored Gold in the Best New Podcast category, presented by Triton Digital, for That’s Enough Already!. Judges said: “There are some fantastic guests on this podcast, but the star of the show is 100% Urzila. Her laugh is infectious and her style is relatable to both guests and listeners.”
The Gold, Silver and Bronze winners of each award category, along with links to their podcasts and judges’ comments, are as follows:
| Best Culture & Arts Podcast, presented by Triton Digital | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | Black Sheep | RNZ | https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/black-sheep | “I love absolutely everything about this podcast! The story is so intriguing and engrossing. I'm going to hit play on all of the episodes this week. The audio, storytelling and research are all excellent. It's also a wonderful insight into some dark characters and periods in NZ history.” |
| Silver | He'll Be Right | Stuff | https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2021/01/hell-be-right-masculinity-podcast/ | “The approach taken with this topic is fascinating and the effort and thought that has gone into it makes it a very worthy candidate” |
| Bronze | Resonate: 10 Years of Brooke Fraser's Flag | Sony Music | https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/resonate-10-years-of-brooke-frasers-flags-gpJF4AYzR7k/#podcast | “This was such an enjoyable listen. The production quality is outstanding. Bravo” |
| Best Entertainment & Comedy Podcast, presented by rova | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | The Matt & Jerry Show | iHeart (NZME) | https://www.iheart.com/podcast/211-the-hauraki-breakfast-with-28147412/ | “I could listen to these guys all day. Great flow and dynamic, they really make you feel like you’re in the room and in on everything” |
| Silver | The Real Pod | The Spinoff | https://play.acast.com/s/the-real-pod | “Fun and easy to listen to. The hosts have a fantastic rapport and are really relatable” |
| Bronze | Mai Morning Crew Catch Up Podcast | rova (Mediaworks) | https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/mai-morning-crew-podcast.html | “This podcast has great entertainment value and I really enjoyed their energy.” |
| Best Sports Podcast | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | The Fearless Podcast Powered by Puma - The Girls Uninterrupted | Independent | https://brodiekanemedia.com/project/the-fearless-podcast-powered-by-puma/ | “Such a powerful and relevant podcast. These stories need to be told and the Girls Uninterrupted team have done a fantastic job” |
| Silver | The Rock's Sporting Rumble | rova (Mediaworks) | https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/the-sporting-rumble.html | “Love the energy and the calibre of guests shows that these guys are top of their game. Awesome content.” |
| Bronze | The Agenda | iHeart (NZME) | https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-the-agenda-30184388/ | “Fun and funny and the size of their audience reflects that” |
| Best News & Politics Podcast, presented by Digital Commons | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive | iHeart (NZME) | https://www.iheart.com/podcast/211-heather-du-plessis-allan-24837940/ | “Heather's "straight up" style is super refreshing. She holds power accountable but does it with humour and authenticity. Even though the format isn't totally original, it feels fresh. I'm a huge fan of this entry.” |
| Silver | The Mike Hosking Breakfast | iHeart (NZME) | https://www.iheart.com/podcast/211-the-mike-hosking-breakfast-24837692/ | “Expert analysis but delivered in a clear and engaging format. Excellent” |
| Bronze | Nine to Noon | RNZ | https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/nine-to-noon/id174829950?mt=2 | “An ability to deal with tough and sensitive issues. Very strong entry” |
| *Best Technology Podcast, presented by Dot Social | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | The 20 Degree Podcast | Independent | https://oculusltd.co.nz/20degreepodcast/ | “These guys know their stuff! I like the very specific nature of this show. Niche practical podcasting.” |
*No silver or bronze awards due to insufficient entries
| Best Business Podcast, presented by Strategy | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | Business is Boring | The Spinoff | https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/business-is-boring/id1118188207 | “This is anything but boring. Really enjoyed the inspiring stories and angles” |
| Silver | NZ Everyday Investor | Independent | www.nzeverydayinvestor.com | “Useful & clearly defined angle, well executed, in a crowded podcast investment finance space” |
| Bronze | Get Flushed | Independent | www.getflushed.online | “Sanitary goodness! Clearly produced with diligence and extremely knowledgeable about the subject matter” |
| Best Maori or Pasifika Podcast or Host | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | Mai Morning Crew Catch Up Podcast | rova (Mediaworks) | https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/mai-morning-crew-podcast.html | “This podcast has great entertainment value and I really enjoyed their energy.” |
| Silver | Tic-Heads with Uncle Tics & Randell | rova (Mediaworks) | https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/tic-heads-with-uncle-tics.html | “So much good energy. Very up front and clear about their identity. They should be very proud” |
| Bronze | The Provise Project | Independent | https://the-provise-project.simplecast.com/ | “This was an absolute delight to discover! Uniquely Kiwi, totally authentic and proudly independent. Great stuff!” |
| Best Podcast by a Kiwi Abroad, presented RNZ | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | The Andy Rowe Show | Independent | https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/the-andy-rowe-show/id1538377700 | “The high calibre of guest and listenership demonstrates that this is a very popular podcast and Andy Rowe is doing New Zealanders proud abroad” |
| Silver | Transformations with Jayne | Independent | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transformations-with-jayne/id1351457375 | “One of the best things about podcasts is that they can be niche. This podcast serves it’s niche audience very well.” |
| Bronze | Lawyer on Air | Independent | https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/lawyer-on-air/id1553526783 | “Great energy and interview style. Well produced and a good resource for people in the legal profession.” |
| Best International Podcast, presented by FlashFomo | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | Earth Eclipsed | Independent | https://eartheclipsed.com | “Beautifully made with great audio craft on display.” |
| Silver | Beyond the Feed | Independent | https://linktr.ee/beyondthefeed | “It does what it says on the tin and does it well.” |
| Bronze | Funny People Talking | Independent | https://funnypeopletalking.com | “Funny, fast, varied, very American! Good fun.” |
| Best Radio Podcast, presented by bluereef® Studio | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive | iHeart (NZME) | https://www.iheart.com/podcast/211-heather-du-plessis-allan-24837940/ | “Heather's "straight up" style is super refreshing. She holds power accountable but does it with humour and authenticity. Even though the format isn't totally original, it feels fresh. I'm a huge fan of this entry.” |
| Silver | The Matt & Jerry Show | iHeart (NZME) | https://www.iheart.com/podcast/211-the-hauraki-breakfast-with-28147412/ | “I could listen to these guys all day. Great flow and dynamic, they really make you feel like you’re in the room and in on everything” |
| Bronze | Afternoons with Jesse Mulligan | RNZ | https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/afternoons-with-jesse-mulligan/id175135505?mt=2 | “Engaging interview style and brings the listener along for the ride. Very strong entry” |
| Best Science & Environment Podcast | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | Our Changing World | RNZ | https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ourchangingworld/podcast | “The host's and interviewees' passions clearly shine through and I loved how they made science relatable (great use of the banjo!).” |
| Silver | One Hot Minute | Stuff | www.stuff.co.nz/onehotminute | “So much to love about this show. Informative, engaging and expertly produced” |
| Bronze | Fight for the Wild | RNZ | https://www.rnz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=2018793166 | “Engaging storytelling from Dave Hansford, I found myself enthralled with NZ's nature and history. Very well produced too.” |
| Best True Crime Podcast | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | Black Sheep | RNZ | https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/black-sheep | “I love absolutely everything about this podcast! The story is so intriguing and engrossing. I'm going to hit play on all of the episodes this week. The audio, storytelling and research are all excellent. It's also a wonderful insight into some dark characters and periods in NZ history.” |
| Silver | A Moment in Crime | iHeart (NZME) | https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-a-moment-in-crime-49194262/ | “Engaging and emotive content and produced with due care” |
| Bronze | Crimes NZ | RNZ | https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/crimes-nz | “Dealing with tough topics and asking the right questions in the right way. Well produced” |
| Best New Podcast, presented by Triton Digital | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | That's Enough Already! | Independent | https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/thats-enough-already-with-urzila-carlson/id1553718256 | “There are some fantastic guests on this podcast, but the star of the show is 100% Urzila. Her laugh is infectious and her style is relatable to both guests and listeners.” |
| Silver | He'll Be Right | Stuff | https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2021/01/hell-be-right-masculinity-podcast/ | “The approach taken with this topic is fascinating and the effort and thought that has gone into it makes it very worthy” |
| Bronze | Collapse | Stuff | https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2021/02/ctv-building-collapse-christchurch-earthquake/ | “Fantastic series, also loved the notion that a wider story can be told through one building's demise” |
| Best Current Affairs Podcast | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | Mediawatch | RNZ | https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/mediawatch/id208012372?mt=2 | “Excellent depth and diversity to the coverage and content creating an engaging listen.” |
| Silver | Saturday Morning | RNZ | https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/saturday-morning/id175135787?mt=2 | “Enjoyed the hosts ability to build a relationship with guests and cover a breadth of topics” |
| Bronze | One Hot Minute | Stuff | www.stuff.co.nz/onehotminute | “So much to love about this show. Informative, engaging and expertly produced” |
| Best Podcast Publisher | |
| Award | Publisher |
| Gold | RNZ |
| Silver | Stuff |
| Bronze | MediaWorks / rova |
| Acast Best Independent Podcast | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | The Shit Show | Independent | https://open.spotify.com/show/7DT0AT9GejKeCD4ppZ22ID?si=HLMEVaVMQm6GSVeo0i_Cfg&dl_branch=1 | “Absolutely loved the vibe of this show. Covering so many interesting topics in a relaxed manner and with no pretense. Go girls!” |
| Silver | That's Enough Already! | Independent | https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/thats-enough-already-with-urzila-carlson/id1553718256 | “There are some fantastic guests on this podcast, but the star of the show is 100% Urzila. Her laugh is infectious and her style is relatable to both guests and listeners.” |
| Bronze | History of Aotearoa New Zealand Podcast | Independent | https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/history-of-aotearoa-new-zealand-podcast/id1448322129 | “Fun & interesting treatment of the subject matter, enthusiasm & passion consistently comes across in spades.” |
| rova Listeners' Choice Award | ||||
| Award | Podcast Name | Publisher or Network | Link to Podcast | Judges Comments |
| Gold | The Shit Show | Independent | https://open.spotify.com/show/7DT0AT9GejKeCD4ppZ22ID?si=HLMEVaVMQm6GSVeo0i_Cfg&dl_branch=1 | N/A |
| Silver | Mai Morning Crew Catch Up Podcast | rova (Mediaworks) | https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/mai-morning-crew-podcast.html | N/A |
| Bronze | The Girls Uninterrupted | Independent | https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-girls-uninterrupted/id1505689225 | N/A |
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