Auckland-based electronic musician Tiopira McDowell, known as Mokotron, has been awarded the 2025 Taite Music Prize for his debut album, WAEREA. The prestigious award, named in honor of the late Dylan Taite, celebrates outstanding independent albums from New Zealand.

Mokotron, whose real name is Tiopira McDowell, is also a senior lecturer of Māori Studies at the University of Auckland. His winning album, WAEREA, is notable for its innovative sound, which masterfully blends traditional Māori instruments with heavy breakbeats and deep bass. The Taite Music Prize, awarded annually since 2010, was presented at a ceremony held at Auckland’s Q Theatre on April 14. In addition to the honor, McDowell received a cash prize of $12,500.

McDowell, who also identifies as Ngāti Hine, has expressed in interviews the importance of New Zealand musicians overcoming their “cultural cringe” and creating music that authentically reflects their environment and identity. Upon accepting the award, he dedicated his music to the people and places that have influenced him.

“Whānau, when I write music, I want to write something that, if anyone in the world heard it, they’d know it could only come from one place — Aotearoa,” he stated during his acceptance speech. He explained that the album is a direct response to what he perceives as continuous assaults on Māori culture, rights, and language. Mokotron’s victory represents a significant milestone for both Māori expression and independent electronic music in New Zealand.