[1] The prize was judged by a panel of 13 music-industry critics.
The winner was decided at a live event held at the Kings Arms tavern in Auckland.
Each of the three shortlisted artists performs, then the judges deliberated and the prize was presented.
The prize included a $10,000 NZ On Air grant and mentoring from industry professionals.
In 2017, Recorded Music New Zealand confirmed that the Critic's Choice Prize would not be awarded that year and the award would be reevaluated.