For more than four decades, Neil Finn OBE has been on an evolving, winding journey. His résumé bears that out – from joining his brother Tim in the eighties artful pop band Split Enz, to leading Crowded House, to his numerous solo efforts. Crowded House’s mid-eighties hits like Don’t Dream It’s Over and Something So Strong, combined with albums like Woodface and Together Alone, set the standard for the period’s erudite jangle-pop, all while pushing the band’s art forward. Neil’s varied body of work is connected by his knack for penning meticulous, indelible melodies and impressionistic lyrics that demand multiple listens and it's earned him devoted fans across the globe.

Panel statement: “Neil Finn is a true Icon who has made an enormous impact to generations of musicians, putting Aotearoa New Zealand on the international stage and bringing the world closer to us.” – 2024 Icon Whakamana Hiranga Selection Panel