2009 New Zealand Music Awards

The 2009 New Zealand Music Awards was the 44th holding of the annual ceremony featuring awards for musical artists based in or originating from New Zealand. Finalists for the three technical awards were announced on 6 August 2009, with winners announced on 2 September at the Langham Hotel. Finalists for 14 'non-technical' categories were also revealed the same night. Five 'non-technical' awards were presented without a group of finalists being selected. The awards ceremony took place on 8 October 2009 at Vector Arena, Auckland. Broadcast live on television by C4, the ceremony was hosted by comedian Dai Henwood.

Ladyhawke won six awards, including Album and Single of the Year. This was the most awards won at a ceremony since 2004, when Scribe also won six. The People's Choice Award was won by Smashproof, who also claimed the award for the highest selling New Zealand Single. Fat Freddy's Drop were nominated in seven categories, including all three technical categories, and gained the Best Aotearoa Roots Album award. Midnight Youth were finalists in seven categories, and secured awards for Best Group, Best Rock Album and Best Engineer. The highest selling New Zealand Album was The Best: '98-'08, a greatest hits album by rock group The Feelers, while Tiki Taane's "Always on My Mind" achieved the Radio Airplay Record of the Year award. Ray Columbus & the Invaders were awarded the Legacy Award at the announcement of technical award winners, and were inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.

Nominees and winners
Winners are listed first and highlighted in boldface.
 * Key
 * – Non-technical award
 * – Technical award



Performers
Performers at the ceremony:
 * Ladyhawke gave her number "My Delirium".
 * Smashproof and Gin Wigmore sang their top selling single "Brother".
 * Midnight Youth performed their tune "All on Our Own".
 * "Turn Around" was sung by Sola Rosa and Iva Lamkum.
 * The Mint Chicks performed a cover of "She's a Mod", originally by Ray Columbus & the Invaders, who received the Legacy Award.
 * John Rowles sang "How Great Thou Art" as a tribute to the late Sir Howard Morrison.