Thomas Oliver has won the 2016 APRA Silver Scroll Award for his hit song 'If I Move to Mars'.
It was the Wellington singer-songwriter's first nomination for the prestigious award, for his song about what life would be like on the red planet with a lover - lying in the dirt, drinking Cognac and listening to records.
"What an amazing night," Oliver said as he accepted his award.
"It's a real honour for me. I'm going to take a moment to enjoy this, thank you all.
"It's a beautiful and important thing to have an award ceremony that celebrates song and composition - not artists who are cool right now and hot right now."
Oliver reflected on the night's "amazing" entertainment and made special mention of the recognition of Māori artists.
"New Zealand is a country that embraces and celebrates its indigenous culture."
Newshub journalist Ollie Ritchie described the award ceremony as "very emotional" as Moana Maniapoto was formally inducted into the Kiwi music Hall of Fame.
"Kiwis have had about four decades of her music, which has been incredibly inspiring," says Ritchie.
"It was an incredibly emotional moment on stage for Moana as she was inducted by her close friends. She got a rousing haka afterwards and also a waiata."
The Silver Scroll is one of New Zealand's most coveted music prizes, recognising a songwriter's outstanding achievement. More than 10,000 Kiwi songwriters and composers make up the voting panel.
Previous winners include Lorde, Dave Dobbyn and Bic Runga.
Newshub.
