The Aotearoa Music Awards are awarded in several different categories. As of 2014, the awards are presented in 31 categories, and have been hosted annually since 1965.
| Award | Years awarded |
|---|---|
| Arranger of the Year | 1973 - 1976 |
| Best Cast Album | 1987 |
| Best Compilation Album | 2001-2002 |
| Best Female Solo Artist | 1978 - 2016 |
| Best Film Soundtrack | 1983 - 2000 |
| Best Male Solo Artist | 1978 - 2016 |
| Best Mana Māori Album | 1996 - 2003 |
| Best Mana Reo Album | 1996 - 2003 |
| Best New Artist | 1973 - 1976 |
| Best New Zealand Recorded Composition | 1973 - 1974 |
| Best Solo Artist | 2003 |
| Best Songwriter | 1986 - 2005 |
| Best Urban/Hip Hop Album | 2002 - 2016 |
| Composer of the Year | 1975 - 1976 |
| Lifetime Achievement | 1998 - 2004 |
| New Zealand Radio Programmer Award | 2000 - 2003 |
| Most Promising Female Vocalist | 1978 - 2000 |
| Most Popular Artist | 1983 |
| Most Popular Song | 1983 - 1984 |
| Most Promising Group | 1978 - 2000 |
| Most Promising Male Vocalist | 1978 - 2000 |
| Outstanding Contribution to the Music Industry | 1980 - 1990 |
| Outstanding Contribution to the Growth of New Zealand Music on Radio | 2005 - 2007 |
| Rising Star Award | 1996 - 1998 |