In 1996 and 1997 the awards were known as the Clear Music and Entertainment Awards, sponsored by Clear Communications, and in 1999 the name of the awards was finally changed to the New Zealand Music Awards, with the award trophy nicknamed the Tui.
In 1996 and 1997 the awards were merged with the New Zealand Entertainment Awards and were known as the Clear Music and Entertainment Awards, sponsored by Clear Communications. From 1998 the awards reverted to music only, with the name going back to the New Zealand Music Awards and the award trophy nicknamed the Tui.