The 2005 New Zealand Music Awards took place on 5 October 2005 at the Aotea Centre in Auckland.
The 'Lifetime Achievement Award' category was changed to 'Outstanding Contribution to the Growth in NZ Music on Radio'.
[1] One new category was added: 'Best Roots Album'.
[2] The Best Maori Album and Best Gospel / Christian Album categories were not awarded due to insufficient entries.
[4] Multiple winners on the night included Fat Freddy's Drop with five awards.