Of course, walking away with NZ$40,000 is an incentive, but the First Prize of the Michael Hill is so much more than a cash award.

Fulfilling our promise of lifting your musicianship and helping to launch your career; if you win, we provide you with a suite of tools to help you achieve this including a recording on the Atoll Label, a personally-crafted suit or gown from a New Zealand designer, a New Zealand-inspired pendant from Christine Hill’s Spirit Bay Collection and the incomparable Winner’s Tour.

Every Michael Hill winner has said that their Winner’s Tour was the most significant part of their prize package because it provided an opportunity unlike any other to develop and test their artistry in a thrilling pressure-cooker experience – a multi- week performance tour of New Zealand and Australia with recitals, a concerto and a recording.

With bespoke professional development proffered and opportunities to test your emergent skills in safe settings, you will leave Aotearoa New Zealand a stronger, more insightful, and road-tested artist.

Past winners have developed skills and confidence in public speaking, branding, stage presence, media training, maintaining and managing influential stakeholders, stress management, etc.