It’s been a banner year for New Zealand music. Our editorial team spent longer than usual debating our favourite local albums of 2025, such was the incredible output of Kiwi acts. Some of the country’s biggest names returned with revelatory albums, from @lorde to @thebeths. New acts emerged with career-best records, particularly a cohort of exciting rock bands based down in Dunedin. Some legends kept on going, such as @thebatsnz with their excellent 11th album, while @thefirefromhampshire said g