The Phoenix Foundation, Tami Neilson, Street Chant, Lydia Cole and Thomas Oliver are the 2016 APRA Silver Scroll finalists.
The judges call the shortlist an eclectic mix of genres that ranges from iconic names in Kiwi music, to up-and-comers making their mark in the industry.
The winner will be presented with the award during a ceremony at Auckland's Vector Arena on September 29.
"Great songs tell great stories and each of these songs give us beautiful, heartfelt tales of dreams, love and loss," says Anthony Healey of APRA AMCOS.
"It's a diverse and eclectic group of songwriters, each at the very top of their craft and each very much deserving of our celebration."
The Silver Scroll, awarded for writing the best song of the year regardless of commercial success, is considered by many the most important music award in the New Zealand music industry.
First presented in 1965, the finalists are determined by the votes of APRA members - more than 10,000 songwriters and composers.
The nominated songs for the 2016 APRA Silver Scroll Award are:
Newshub.
