The New Zealand Songwriters Trust was originally formed to run the MLT Songwriting Awards as part of the NZ Gold Guitar week. In 2011 a new relationships was formed with APRA, which saw the New Zealand Country Music Awards (now titled the Country Music Honours) and the MLT Songwriting Award combined into one night of music, showcasing songwriters and recording artists. 

The New Zealand Songwriters Trust personnel: 

Trustees 

Vanessa Small (Chairperson)

Jeff Rea

Barbara MacKay 

Coral McCauley
Julie Mitchell

Philip Geary

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Co-opted members

Cheryl Anderson (Secretary)

Kirsten McIntyre (Treasurer) 

Jenny Mitchell

Steven Hamlin

Mallory Hood

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